xxx     Dinosaurs, Paleontology, and Prehistoric Life.
Book Reviews by Mike Fredericks from the pages of the

The Prehistoric Times Magazine
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                                        From Issue #84    Winter  2008

Major Transitions in Vertebrate Evolution by Jason S. Anderson (Editor), Hans-Dieter Sues (Editor) Hardcover: 417 pages Indiana University Press ISBN-10: 0253349265 ISBN13: 978-0253349262 $49.95 New discoveries of ancient vertebrates, filling in gaps in the fossil record, are quickly eroding the traditionally recognized differences between the principal groups of vertebrates— for example, between dinosaurs and birds— and radically changing our understanding of the evolutionary history of the major group of animals to which our species belongs. This book describes this changing scientific landscape and contributes to the revolution in our knowledge of the developmental mechanisms that underlie evolutionary transformation. Great scientific information with plenty of graphs, line drawings and photos.
Patagonian Mesozoic Reptiles by Zulma Gasparini (Editor), Leonardo Salgado (Editor), Rodolfo A. Coria (Editor) 374 pages Indiana University Press ISBN-10: 0253348579 ISBN-13: 978-0253348579 $49.95 Distant and exotic, Patagonia has been one of the most attractive places for explorers and paleontologists. The amazing diversity of its fauna and flora, the richness of its fossil record, and the variety of its paleoenvironments, all contribute to making Patagonia the focal point for the study of the history of life on Earth. Patagonian Mesozoic Reptiles gathers in a single volume— and for the first time— our current knowledge about the evolution of the region and its reptiles. Each contribution fully demonstrates that Patagonia during the Mesozoic provides a distinct perspective on the evolution of life during a key chapter in the geological history of this region. It's about time there was a book like this! It's packed with maps, photos illustrations and beautiful color art by Jorge Gonzalez. Zulma Gasparini and Rodolfo A. Coria are authority researchers in Argentina on Patagonian dinosaurs. Leonardo Salgado too is a researcher there looking for dinosaur bones and eggs.
Jurassic West: The Dinosaurs of the Morrison Formation and Their World by John Foster 389 pages Indiana University Press ISBN-10: 0253348706 ISBN-13: 9780253348708 $49.95 The famous bone beds of the Morrison Formation, whose rocks are exposed from Wyoming down through the red rock region of the American Southwest, have yielded one of the most complete pictures of any ancient vertebrate ecosystem in the world. After more than a century of exploration, the Morrison continues to yield new discoveries about a time so different from our own that it almost seems imaginary. Aimed at the general reader, Jurassic West tells the story of the life of this ancient world as scientists have so far been able to reconstruct it. The book recounts the discovery of many important Late Jurassic dinosaurs such as Apatosaurus, Allosaurus, and Stegosaurus. But dinosaurs comprise barely a third of the more than 90 types of vertebrates known from the Formation, which include crocodiles and turtles, frogs and salamanders, mammals, clams and snails, and ginkgoes, ferns, and conifers. John Foster is curator of paleontology at the Museum of Western Colorado and should be congratulated for updating the information we have on this age and region. While much has been written on the subject; most is old and very out-dated. Packed with modern info and illustrations including amazing new color plates from Todd Marshall. Behold The Mighty Dinosaur-Modern Scholar Series recorded Book series Professor John Kricher of Wheaton College. This is not a book but a series of recordings on CD that come in a beautiful vinyl carrying case which includes a fully illustrated printed course guide for the series lectures. Professor Kricher is very knowledgeable and articulate. His soothing voice takes you through the definition of a dinosaur to the discovery of dinosaurs to their diversity to their museums, their extinction, T. rex, and much more in 14 lectures (that's not a bad word; these lectures are fun. I wish there had been a dino course like this at my college) on 7 CDs. But my favorite chapter has to be the one on Dinosaurs in Pop Culture. You see, Professor Kricher is a long time PT reader and he not only mentions PT in this well done lecture but also me, by name. (Yes, you can get your book reviewed well in PT if you stroke my ego). This is something for all ages and would truly make a fantastic gift for the dino geek in your life! Available only at 1-800-638-1304 or www.modernscholar.com
Dinosaurs: The Encyclopedia, Supplement 5 by Donald F. Glut List Price: $115.00 808 pages Publisher: McFarland & Company ISBN10: 0786432411 ISBN13: 978-0786432417 Don Glut has done it again and I honestly don't know where he finds the time. This fifth supplement to his amazing series of dino encyclopedias is again, an amazing accomplishment. This is a must-have for your dino reference library as it is so extraordinarily comprehensive. The science of paleontology is changing so quickly that the only way (or at least the best way) to even begin to keep up with it is with Don's series of encyclopedias. These well written and illustrated books (can you tell yet that I like them?) continue to explain the latest discoveries in the world of dinosaurs. For instance, in this volume, the largest Jurassic theropod yet found, plus a dinosaur with opposable fingers and a new assessment of Pachycephalosaurus and much more. I will grant you these books are a tad pricey but their information is invaluable to those who must have it (like moi). Get yours by calling 1-800-253-2187 or www.mcfarlandpub.com
Deep Alberta: Fossil Facts and Dinosaur Digs by John Acorn The University of Alberta Press (ISBN-10: 0888644817 ISBN-13: 9780888644817 Alberta, Canada is well known for its fossil treasures and naturalist and author John Acorn showcases Alberta's paleontological history in 80 essays. From discussing a species of dinosaur or a significant fossil bed, or answering questions such as how paleontologists know where to dig, John Acorn has an interesting tale to tell and a picture to show. Subjects include famous fossil hunter Barnum Brown, Dromaeosaurus, the raptor; plus Devil's Coulee and its dinosaur nests. Written with the collaboration of the curators at the world-renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum, this is a book that will appeal to PT readers from all countries. There's more to the story of "deep Alberta" than dinosaurs, but dinosaur fans will find all their favorite beasts here as well — from Albertosaurus to Tyrannosaurus rex, and everything in-between. There are surprises: such as the discovery of a venomous mammal and more. The University Press was very excited to have PT review this book so I hope readers will pick up their own copy soon. I know you will enjoy this full color paperback.
Polar Dinosaurs (Museum Victoria Nature) by Thomas Rich Paperback: 48 pages Publisher: Museum Victoria ISBN-10: 0975837028 ISBN-13: 978-0975837023 $9.95 Australian dinosaurs are described and placed among the far better known species from the western world. This small full color book is a brief but educational overview of the dinosaurs of "down under". A must for dinophiles young and old interested in the area and those desiring an overview of the world's prehistoric animals.
Cruisin' the Fossil Freeway: An Epoch Tale of a Scientist and an Artist on the Ultimate 5,000-Mile Paleo Road Trip (Paperback) by Kirk Johnson (Author), Ray Troll (Illustrator) 208 pages Publisher: Fulcrum Publishing ISBN10: 1555914519 ISBN-13: 978-1555914516 $29.95 "Cruisin1 the Fossil Freeway" follows the crazy travels of paleontologist Johnson and artist Troll (a long time PT subscriber) as they drive across the American West in search of fossils. Throughout their journey, they meet "paleonerds" like themselves, men and women dedicated to finding everything from suburban T. rexes to killer Eocene pigs to ancient fossilized forests. Much of their travels are spent in remote places few people visit, where they discover small-town museums packed with paleontological treasures, rock quarries that have yielded hundreds of fossilized bones, and the remains of ancient seashores tracked with the footprints of dinosaurs. What soon becomes evident is that fossils are everywhere; it only takes knowing what to look for to find them— even at 65 miles per hour. Kirk R. Johnson is vice president and chief curator at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science where he directed the installation of the museum's Prehistoric Journey exhibit and is the author of Prehistoric Journey: A History of Life on Earth. Ray Troll's unique blend of art and science culminated in his traveling exhibit, Dancing to the Fossil Record, which opened at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco in 1995. The exhibit traveled to museums and aquariums across the country and ended four years later at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, by which time it had grown to 14,000 square feet. He has illustrated many books and exhibits. The book is a colorful joy ride for paleo and art fans. You'll "accidentally" learn things as you leisurely read from the back seat of this road trip across America's prehistoric past.
Sea Monsters: Prehistoric Creatures of the Deep (Hardcover) by Michael Everhart (Author) Hardcover: 192 pages Publisher: National Geographic ISBN10: 1426200854 ISBN-13: 978-1426200854 $30.00 Sharks and dinosaurs both seem alien and awe inspiring, somewhat monstrous yet irresistibly compelling. But forget Jaws and Jurassic Park — prepare yourself for Sea Monsters: Prehistoric Creatures of the Deep, an amazing plunge into the Cretaceous oceans of 80 million years ago, a realm ruled by the most ferocious animals ever to stalk the seas. More terrifying than anything known to humankind, it scarcely seems possible that these swift, massive underwater predators actually existed, but they did — and this is their frightening, fascinating, story. Featuring realistic computer-generated images and 3-D film clips — with 3-D glasses — field photography by National Geographic cameramen, and much more, the book features dramatic scenes of the far, far distant past with upto-date scientific profiles of nearly two dozen sea monsters this book and the movie behind it will forever change how we think about marine predators — and make us look at the oceans of our world with new eyes and a shivery mix of wonderment and ancient, instinctive fear. Good friend of PT Michael Everhart is the author of this book and lead consultant for the film. He is curator of paleontology at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History and presently teaches the subject at the University of Kansas.
Evolution: What the Fossils Say and Why It Matters (Hardcover) by Donald R. Prothero (Author), Carl Buell (Illustrator) 408 pages Publisher: Columbia University Press ISBN10: 0231139624 ISBN-13: 9780231139625 List Price: $29.50 Prothero, a geologist at Occidental College explains how rich the fossil record has become. He demonstrates the wide variety of transitional forms that have been found, many within the past 20 years and aims to discredit the creationist movement. He rather repetitiously accomplishes his goals and his descriptions of recent research, much of it his own, are interesting. Prothero explains the slow development of Cambrian life forms and presents the impressive transitional fossils between reptiles and birds, along with much evidence for mammalian evolution, including the relationship among hominid groups. With good science and some specific rebuttals to creationist arguments, this book demonstrates the importance of paleontology to the study of evolution. The book explains in layperson's terms the vast evidence for evolution in the paleontological record. Prothero's book is very thorough and comprehensive for the general public on the evolution versus creationism controversy. 208 illus.
What Bugged the Dinosaurs?: Insects, Disease, and Death in the Cretaceous (Hardcover) by George, Jr. Poinar (Author), Roberta Poinar (Author) $29.95 Hardcover: 296 pages Princeton University Press ISBN-10: 0691124310 ISBN-13: 9780691124315 Millions of years ago in the Cretaceous period, the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex was the fiercest carnivore to roam the Earth. Yet as "What Bugged the Dinosaurs?" reveals, T. rex was not the only killer. George and Roberta Poinar show how insects— from biting sand flies to disease-causing parasites— dominated life on the planet and played a significant role in the life and death of the dinosaurs. The Poinars bring the age of the dinosaurs incredibly to life. Analyzing exotic insects fossilized in Cretaceous amber at three major deposits in Lebanon, Burma, and Canada, they reconstruct the complex ecology of a hostile prehistoric world inhabited by voracious swarms of insects. The Poinars draw upon tantalizing new evidence from their amazing discoveries of disease-producing vertebrate pathogens in Cretaceous blood-sucking flies, as well as intestinal worms and protozoa found in fossilized dinosaur excrement, to provide a unique view of how insects infected with malaria, leishmania, and other pathogens, together with intestinal parasites, could have devastated dinosaur populations. This is a scientific adventure story from the authors whose research inspired Jurassic Park, "What Bugged the Dinosaurs?" shows how insects directly and indirectly contributed to the dinosaurs' demise. Not everyone's "cup of tea" but if your interest stretches to what "got under the dinosaur's skin", this is a fine book full of information found nowhere else.
Mark Schultz: Various Drawings Volume Three by Mark Schultz (Illustrator) Flesk Publications Paperback: 48 pages $19.95 ISBN-10: 1933865024 ISBN-13: 978-1933865027 This third volume of the ongoing Various Drawings series focuses on Mark Schultz's most recent works and unpublished art. Showcasing only his best in this annual collection, he demonstrates a continued ability to refine his craft through a variety of formats: private commissions, illustrations, comics material, and rare sketchbook art. The drawings include new pieces featuring Xenozoic Tales favorites Jack Tenrec and Hannah Dundee (Mark promises a new series of this soon), plus a selection of recent comic book covers. Also included are preliminaries for his upcoming Storms at Sea storybook, unpublished brush and ink roughs for book illustration assignments, and more. The Various Drawings series continues to present Schultz's otherwise unseen privately commissioned works, and, as usual, includes a spectacular gatefold centerpiece. We love the work of Mark Schultz who is widely known for his beautiful drawings winning numerous industry awards. Schultz's lush illustrations have graced comic books, and fine illustrated books, solidifying him as a master of the form. His most well-known creation, the award-winning comic book Xenozoic Tales, has been adapted to television as the animated series Cadillac's and Dinosaurs, his dinos, aliens and scantily clad girls are all highlighted again in this latest volume.
The Reluctant Mr. Darwin: An Intimate Portrait of Charles Darwin and the Making of His Theory of Evolution (Great Discoveries) by David Quammen 304 pages W. W. Norton ISBN-10: 0393059812 ISBN-13: 9780393059816 $22.95 There is no ebb to the amount of books continually being published on evolution and among the flood of books being published for Darwin's bicentenary is this nice one from David Quammen. Charles Darwin took 20 years to write his theory of natural selection. He wrote On the Origin of Species only after hearing that others were soon publishing similar ideas. As acclaimed science journalist Quammen shows, during those two decades, Darwin was busy conducting scientific research that would bolster his observations of the finches and mockingbirds of the Galapagos Islands. He raised pigeons and theorized that domestic varieties could be traced back to a species of wild dove. Quammen starts with Darwin's homecoming from his five-year trip on the Beagle and then focuses on how he gained enough confidence and evidence to publish a book that would displace humankind from its privileged position as a special creation. The author shows that some critics felt that Darwin rushed his book's publication even with the extra time he spent honing his theories but most agree that the time was nye. Quammen's new book produces an entertaining, enlightening glance at one of the world's most influential thinkers.
Evolution for Everyone: How Darwin's Theory Can Change the Way We Think About Our Lives by David Sloan Wilson $24.00 Hardcover: 400 pages Delacorte Press ISBN-10: 0385340214 ISBN-13: 978-0385340212 Evolution is more than just dinosaurs and fossils, Wilson explains, and says that it affects our everyday lives. Wilson's book on evolution is an accessible account of evolution for a general audience. Wilson demonstrates that evolution determines how we use language, create culture and define morality. The discussion is entertaining and easy to follow. Wilson, professor of biology and anthropology at Britain's Binghamton University, draws interesting and unexpected connections between musty theory and its practical applications in our everyday lives. His writing will explain evolution to interested parties in a manner that brings it home to our everyday lives and is understandable for all.
The World Encyclopedia of Fossils & Fossil-Collecting: An illustrated reference Guide to over 375 plant and animal fossils from around the globe and how to identify them, with over 950 photographs and artworks by Steve Parker Hardcover: 256 pages Lorenz Books ISBN-10: 0754815749 ISBN-13: 978-0754815747 $35.00 (Winner of our longest book title award) A comprehensive visual directory presents the fossils in easy to follow chronological order. Each entry has its own full color identification photograph, an artwork reconstruction showing just what the fossilized plant or animal may have looked like and a factfile of essential information. This giant coffee table sized book is in full color and really is quite an achievement. A full color photo of a good example of each fossil discussed is provided plus early chapters cover many related topics like a definition of a fossil, major fossil sites, great fossil hunters of the past, taking care of your fossils, and much, much more. Both beautiful and educational, this book is a keeper!
Mammoths: Giants of the Ice Age by Adrian Lister and Paul Bahn, Jean Auel (Foreword) $29.95 Hardcover: 192 pages University of California Press ISBN-10: 0520253191 ISBN-13: 978-0520253193 A beautiful, full color visual record of one of Earth's most extraordinary species, this updated and revised edition of Mammoths: Giants of the Ice Age integrates new research to piece together the story of mammoths, mastodons, and their relatives, icons of the Ice Age. Incorporating recent genetic work, new fossil finds, new extinction theories, and more, Mammoths is an interesting exploration of how these mighty creatures evolved, lived, and mysteriously disappeared. The book features tons of color illustrations that depict mammoths in their dramatic Ice Age habitats, many photographs of mammoth remains, and images of the art of prehistoric people who saw these animals in the flesh. Full of facts, Mammoths examines the findings (intact frozen carcasses from Siberia and fossilized remains from South Dakota, California, England, France, and elsewhere) that have provided clues to the mammoths' geographic range, body structure, way of life, and interactions with early humans. It is a complete story of paleontological, archaeological, and geological exploration and of the fascinating investigations of biologists, anthropologists, and art historians worldwide from respected authora and a respected institution.
The Bone Race: A Quest for Dinosaur Fossils (Paperback) by Steve Butz $16.95 Paperback: 248 pages Publisher: Dna Press ISBN-10: 1933255307 ISBN13: 978-1933255309 Here's a clever idea for a new dino book for young adult readers! Taking place in 1871 against a backdrop of the golden age of paleontology and the beginnings of human fascination with dinosaurs, this "fictional" story begins with the violent destruction of a Paleozoic museum in New York City and the unique competition that results. In response to an eccentric millionaire's contest to assemble the world's greatest collection of dinosaur bones, fascinating characters take off on individual quests, full of action and intrigue, in search of fossils. Loosely based on real historical events, the epilogue offers a true account of the reallife people and events that inspired the story and their important contributions to the science of paleontology. It turns out to be a non-stop historical actionadventure set amongst the fascinating time when dinosaur mania first took hold in America. Sort of Raiders of the Lost Ark meets Jurassic Park! Author Steve Butz has taught Earth and Environmental Science for over ten years, and has authored numerous books on the subjects of science, technology, and history.
Grave Secrets of Dinosaurs: Soft Tissues and Hard Science by Phillip Manning (Author) $28.00 Hardcover: 320 pages Publisher: National Geographic ISBN-10: 1426202199 ISBN-13: 9781426202193 Dinosaur bones and skeletons tell us a lot but yet, only so much. What did those fearsome animals really look like in the flesh? Soft-tissue fossils give tantalizing clues about the appearance and physiology of the ancient animals. In this nice book, paleontologist Phillip Manning presents the most astonishing dinosaur fossil excavations of the past 100 years — including the recent discovery of a remarkably intact dinosaur mummy in the Badlands of North Dakota. Bone structure is just the beginning of our knowledge today, thanks to amazing digs like these. Using new breakthroughs and cutting-edge techniques of analysis, Dr. Manning takes us on a thrilling, globe-spanning tour of dinosaur mummy finds — from the first such excavation in 1908 to a baby dinosaur unearthed in 1980, from a dino with a heart in South Dakota to titanosaur embryos in Argentina. He also discusses his own groundbreaking analysis of "Dakota," discovered by Tyler Lyson. Using state-of-the-art technology to scan and analyze this recent discovery, National Geographic and Dr. Manning create a lifelike portrait of Dakota. The knowledge to be gained from this exceedingly rare find, and those that came before it, will intrigue dinosaur-loving readers of all ages. Dr. Phillip Manning teaches vertebrate paleontology and evolution at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom.
Dinomummy by Phillip Manning $18.95 Ages 9-12 Hardcover: 64 pages Publisher: Kingfisher ISBN-10: 0753460475 ISBN-13: 978-0753460474 In 2000, teenage dino-hunter Tyler Lyson stumbled across the fossil remains of a hadrosaur in the remote hills of the Hell Creek Formation in North Dakota. More than a collection of fossilized bones, Tyler discovered a three-dimensional mummified dinosaur-a dinomummy. A paleontologist from the University of Manchester in England, Dr. Phil Manning, then leads an excavation that would change the way we think about dinosaurs. Named for its place of discovery, "Dakota" was gradually uncovered and moved to a lab for further excavation and analysis. Tyler and Phil's enthusiasm, expertise, and years of work blend as this paleontological detective story unfolds. Computer-generated artwork, based on fieldwork and laboratory studies of this hadrosaur specimen, brings Dakota and its environment back to life on the pages of this amazing book. Interestingly, this duckbill shows no hard hooves on its front paws proving that these dinos only walked on their front feet on occasion. Travel back in time to explore Hell Creek 65 million years ago, when herds of hadrosaurs migrated across vast floodplains. Dakota died during the Late Cretaceous Period on the floodplains of North America and its body was locked in a rocky tomb. But Dakota's story was far from over. From the rugged badlands of Hell Creek to high-tech scientific labs, photographs document the incredible story of two men and a very special dinosaur.
Dinosaurs vs. Apes DVD List Price:$14.98 Studio: Cinema Epoch Run Time: 240 minutes "Dinosaur Movies" and "Hollywood Goes Ape!" have been hailed as the definitive documentaries on the prehistoric and anthropoid creatures that have appeared on the silver screen. From the earliest motion pictures to modern classics, they're back again in these two informative and entertaining feature-length video histories, now on one DVD disc. Rare movie clips are discussed with authority by Don Glut and Bob Burns. Also shown are interviews with Ray Harryhausen, Jim Danforth, Forest J Ackerman and King Kong expert and author George E Turner. Also thrown into the mix is a never-before-released portrait of paleontologist Dr Edwin H Colbert as told in his own words on video.
Primeval The Complete Series One DVD From the BBC comes this computer-generated prehistoric animal Sci-Fi/horror tale. All six episodes on 2 discs plus a "making of special feature. I talked about this show on my editorial page a couple issues back and (now that I have seen it) am happy to report that it is a very well done and entertaining program. From the award winning producers of "Walking with Dinosaurs" and "Prehistoric Park" the effects are top notch and the story isn't bad either. The action is mostly continuous and you actually feel for the characters a bit. The story involves prehistoric creatures alive and well in the present day and threatening mankind. The "fabric of Time" is being ripped open to allow these creatures to arrive here and us to arrive there. Our scientist heroes must fight them (while studying them) and find Helen, the woman who has been missing in time for eight years (and our hero's ex-wife). She must be able to solve the mystery of this time anomaly. Unfortunately, she seems unwilling to help and perhaps is even hindering their efforts.