Feathered Dinosaurs: The Origin of Birds (Hardcover) by John Long 208 pages Publisher: Oxford University Press, ISBN-10: 0195372662 ISBN13: 978-0195372663 Wow, what an amazing book and winner of best book of 2008 by PT readers. Of the more than a billion fossils scientists have recovered, no discovery has been more interesting than the fossils recently found in northern China, findings which prove that several families of dinosaurs had feathers, or feathery hair-like coverings, adorning their bodies. Now in the beautifully designed Feathered Dinosaurs, paleontologist John Long and illustrator Peter Schouten provide a stunning visual record of these extraordinary prehistoric creatures, illuminating the evolutionary march from primitive, feathered dinosaurs through to the first true flying birds. Schouten, an acclaimed natural history artist, has created 80 full-color paintings that capture the traits of these feathered dinosaurs. An amazing accomplishment, Schouten has produced not only the most beautiful but also the most accurate visual representations of these animals in print. Equally important, John Long, a noted paleontologist and widely published science author (with some 24 books to his credit), provides a complete companion text that places these feathered dinosaurs within the larger family of dinosaurs— for instance, outlining their relationship to T. Rex and Velociraptor. A truly beautiful book, Feathered Dinosaurs presents page after page of colorful artwork with comments and facts from both artist and scientist and even includes many non-feathered dinosaurs.

On the Origin of Species: The Illustrated Edition by Charles Darwin (Author), David Quammen (Editor) Hardcover: 560 pages. Sterling ISBN10: 1402756399 ISBN-13: 978-1402756399 $35 This year marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favored Races in the Struggle for Life. In his landmark study, Darwin theorized that populations evolve over the course of generations through a process of natural selection. These ideas flew in the face of long-held beliefs, and the book immediately became one of the most controversial scientific works in history — and it still remains so today. Now, for the first time, Darwin's classic is fully and handsomely illustrated with more than 350 illustrations and photos, many of them in brilliant color. Reproductions from Darwin's The Voyage of the Beagle, his journal of the travels that led to his remarkable breakthrough, appear throughout, inviting readers to experience Darwin's journey and to understand how he developed his theory of evolution. In addition, brief excerpts from his letters, diaries, and correspondence bring both Darwin the man and his revolutionary discovery to life.

The Legacy of the Mastodon: The Golden Age of Fossils in America (Hardcover) by Keith Stewart Thomson 424 pages Yale University Press ISBN-10: 0300117043 ISBN-13: 978-03001 17042 Thomson's look at the early years of American fossil hunting, in addition to a history of paleontology itself, is also an account of the opening of the West and of how adventurous (and egotistical) men mined the new land for fossils. He explains how Darwinian evolution made the second half of this historic time important scientifically. Thomson succeeds by bringing to life the fossil-finders and their world. He turns up many surprising gems.

Showcase Presents: The War That Time Forgot, Vol. 1 (Paperback) 560 pages Publisher: DC Comics ISBN-10: 1401212530 ISBN-13: 978-1401212537 560 pages Publisher: DC Comics ISBN-10: 1401212530 ISBN-13: 9781401212537 Over 500 pages of classic adventures are included in this value-priced thick volume collecting one of the most unusual series ever from DC Comics. On an unnamed, uncharted Pacific island, dinosaurs continued to thrive while World War II raged across the globe. It is on this island that members of the U.S. Armed Forces found themselves, armed only with standard issue weapons against the deadliest predators ever to roam the Earth. An easy way to collect these old and fun comics! I only wish they reprinted the full color covers in this all b&w volume.

Worlds Before Adam: The Reconstruction of Geohistory in the Age of Reform (Hardcover) by Martin J. S. Rudwick $49, 800 pages, University Of Chicago Press; ISBN-10: 0226731286 ISBN-13: 978-0226731285 An amazing recounting of the notable figures who laid the foundation for modern geology in the period between 1820 and 1845, their inspirations and intellectual triumphs, and their stubbornly held misconceptions. With their highly individualistic flair and immense scholarship, this volume and its predecessor are not just essential reading for any scientist; they are also landmark volumes in the history of ideas. This is the product of painstaking research. It appears dauntingly long but is a delight to read. Rudwick's style is lucid and engaging throughout, and he is thoughtful of his nonspecialist readers, ensuring that all terms and concepts are fully explained and avoiding unnecessary technicality. Rudwick's love of the subject is contagious.

Reign of the Sea Dragons by Sneed B. Collard (Author), Andrew Plant (Illustrator) Hardcover: 64 pages, Charlesbridge Publishing; ISBN-10: 1580891241 ISBN13: 978-1580891240 While dinosaurs dominated Earth during the Mesozoic era, an astonishing collection of marine reptiles, often referred to as sea dragons, filled the oceans. But where did these sea dragons come from? Where did they go? Award-winning science writer Sneed B. Collard III delivers a dramatic account for children of our growing understanding of the evolution, survival, and finally, the extinction of these extraordinary animals. Plant's art is very nice but familiar.

The Young Charles Darwin (Hardcover) by Keith Stewart Thomson 288 pages, Yale University Press ISBN10: 0300136080, ISBN13: 978-0300136081 What sort of person was the young naturalist who developed an evolutionary idea so logical, so dangerous, that it has dominated biological science for a century and a half? How did the quiet and shy Charles Darwin produce his theory of natural selection when many before him had started down the same path but failed? This book is the first to inquire into the range of influences and ideas, the mentors and rivals, and the formal and informal education that shaped Charles Darwin and prepared him for his remarkable career of scientific achievement. Keith Thomson concentrates on Darwin's early life as a schoolboy, a medical student at Edinburgh, a theology student at Cambridge, and a naturalist aboard the Beagle on its famous five-year voyage. Draws a fully human portrait of Darwin for the first time: Thomson's account of the birth and maturing of Darwin's brilliant theory is interesting for the way it reveals both his genius as a scientist and the human weaknesses with which he struggled.

Dinosaurs (Hardcover) by Steve Brusatte (Author), Michael Benton (Author) 224 pages Publisher: Quercus Publishing Pic ISBN10: 1847244173 ISBN-13: 978-1847244178 Take a journey through the prehistoric world and trace the evolution of the most astonishing creatures ever to have walked the earth. Over 170 giant-sized and superbly detailed computer generated illustrations provide a fine visual catalogue of dinosaurs, bringing the prehistoric world to life. The expert text identifies and describes each species. Packed with the latest research and discoveries, this specially priced and giant-sized title is as unique and impressive as the dinosaurs themselves. And we mean "Giant-sized"; you may have to work out at the gym a while before picking up this huge and heavy book. PT's own writer Steve Brusatte has a degree in geophysical sciences from University of Chicago. He is currently a researcher of vertebrate paleontology at the University of Bristol focusing on dinosaurs. I appreciate Steve thanking me by name here in his book. Michael Benton is Head of Earth Sciences at Bristol University and Professor of Vertebrate Paleontology.

All in the Bones: A Biography of Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins (Paperback) by Valerie Bramwell and Robert M. Peck, 128 pages. Sold through the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia $45 plus shipping. ISBN10: 0910006652 ISBN-13: 978-0910006651. Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins (1807-1894) was a British artist and naturalist who significantly changed the way society thought about the world and its prehuman inhabitants. As one of the most versatile and prolific natural history artists of the Victorian age, Hawkins played a central role in the popularization of 19th century science. His knowledge of comparative anatomy and versatility at painting enabled him to create beautiful and scientifically accurate illustrations of fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, insects, and fossils for such important figures as Richard Owen, Charles Darwin, and Thomas Henry Huxley early in his career. Hawkins went on to make the first life-sized reconstructions of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures anywhere in the world. Through a series of public displays in Great Britain and the U.S., Hawkins almost singlehandedly ignited a popular interest in dinosaurs that continues to the present day. This is the first full-length biography of Waterhouse Hawkins. It is based on years of meticulous research in libraries, archives and museums in England and the U.S., including family papers, letters, sketch books and private records never available to scholars before. Includes a detailed time-line of Hawkins' professional career and many Illustrations.

Echinoderm Paleobiology (Life of the Past) (Hardcover) Edited by William I. Ausich and Gary D. Webster 456 pages Indiana University ISBN-10: 0253351286 ISBN-13: 9780253351289 The dominant faunal elements in shallow Paleozoic oceans, echinoderms are important to understanding these marine ecosystems. Echinoderms (which include such animals as sea stars, crinoids or sea lilies, sea urchins, sand dollars, and sea cucumbers) have left a rich and, for science, extremely useful fossil record. For various reasons, they provide the ideal source for answers to the questions that will help us develop a more complete understanding of global environmental and biodiversity changes. This highly technical, scholarly volume highlights the modern study of fossil echinoderms.

Roadside Geology of Connecticut and Rhode Island (Paperback) by James W. Skehan $26 304 pages Mountain Press Publishing Company ISBN10: 0878425470 ISBN-13: 9780878425471 The small chunk of North America enclosed within the state boundaries of Connecticut and Rhode Island includes parts of at least six former continents, microcontinents, and volcanic island chains, each with its own geologic history. The Roadside Geology series of books has grown greatly covering most areas of North America now. The perfect book for the amateur geologist or interested resident of the area.

Mesozoic Fossils: Triassic and Jurassic (Paperback) by Bruce L. Stinchcomb $29.99 160 pages Schiffer Publishing ISBN10: 0764331639 ISBN13: 978-0764331633 This new third collector book in Schiffer 's series is just as nice as the previous books covering fossils with many full color photos from plants to Crinoids and Bivalves to Dinosaurs and even includes a chapter on Dinosaurs at World's Fairs.

Krentz Presentz Tyrannosaurus Rex! DVD Let talented artist David Krentz teach you how to draw dinosaurs accurately and beautifully by watching his new DVD. David, who was one of the main artists for Disney's "Dinosaur" movie and other films combines the study of art and science and the use of just 5 simple shapes to help you improve your own artistic skills in portraying these amazing creatures of the past. In the first of the series, artist and host David concentrates on everyone's favorite meat-eater T. rex using the latest scientific knowledge. The series will continue with Triceratops starring in the second DVD coming this summer. Get your copy at www.krentzpresentz.com