Dinosaurs: A Field Guide

by Gregory S. Paul

This is a large format field guide (a playful notion) to the true dinosaurs - the Tetrapoda (no pterosaurs or marine reptiles). Dinosaur taxonomy is complex and contentious, and while more than 1500 species have been claimed, many records are based on partial remains or are without adequate scientific documentation. The author recognises 600+ species. An extensive introduction treats a wide range of topics from taxonomy, evolution, biology and behaviour to a discussion of fossil discoveries and paleontological research. The bulk of the book is devoted to full treatment of the five dinosaur protodinosaurs; predatory dinosaurs and protobirds; prosauropods; sauropods; and ornithiscians. After each family introduction, the species text includes biometrics, fossil remains (proportion of full animal recovered and sites at which specimens have been found), age, distribution and formations, habitat (where known), and habits (mainly based on anatomical features). The level of knowledge about species varies considerably and this is fully reflected in the species accounts. Many of the species descriptions are accompanied by black-and-white anatomical reconstructions and/or skull diagrams as well as numerous colour renderings of the complete animal. There are also supplementary illustrations - eggs, trackways, herds, juveniles and so forth - and evocative colour and black-and-white 'scenes' of dinosaur behaviour.

Genres: Science, Dinosaurs, Nonfiction, Art, Reference

304 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2010

About the author

Gregory Scott Paul is an American freelance researcher, author and illustrator who works in paleontology, and more recently has examined sociology and theology. He is best known for his work and research on theropod dinosaurs and his detailed illustrations, both live and skeletal.

Professionally investigating and restoring dinosaurs for three decades, Paul received an on-screen credit as dinosaur specialist on Jurassic Park and Discovery Channel's When Dinosaurs Roamed America and Dinosaur Planet.

He is the author and illustrator of Predatory Dinosaurs of the World (1988), The Complete Illustrated Guide to Dinosaur Skeletons (1996), Dinosaurs of the Air (2001), The Princeton Field Guide to Dinosaurs (2010), Gregory S. Paul's Dinosaur Coffee Table Book (2010), and editor of The Scientific American Book of Dinosaurs (2000).

Paul's recent research on the interactions of religion and society has received international press and media coverage.

Reviews

[Howard Gibbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very well written book that gives a lot of valuable information to the reader, unfortunately it is also extremely difficult to find and I had to obtain it through interlibrary loan.

Mr. Paul takes you on a very informative journey through pretty much all aspects of the science of palaeontology, and provides the reader with lots of information. This area of science however is constantly changing, so I sincerely hope that he will consider doing an update to this book as many of the books on palaeontology are either too technical for the layperson, or are primarily geared towards younger enthusiasts. These younger enthusiasts are our future palaeontologists and this book spans the gap in material.

Highly recommended, but be prepared to have to hunt for it.