The Lost World of the Dinosaurs: Uncovering the Secrets of the Prehistoric Age

by Armin Schmitt

An enrapturing tale of the age of the dinosaurs, tracing their earliest origins, their astounding two-hundred-million-year reign and their infamous demise Dinosaurs. No other class of animals captures the hearts of both children and adults alike. Paleontologist Armin Schmitt brings us a firsthand account of the latest research on dinosaurs and their lives millions of years ago, including his spectacular global excavations and fascinating discoveries in the field. With the help of cutting-edge technology and unbelievable new finds, the age-old tale of the dinosaurs is now revitalized for the very first time, complete with astonishing illustrations by Ben Rennen that help us imagine dinosaurs like never before. Though we’re all familiar with popular dinosaurs such as the renowned Tyrannosaurus rex—every dino fan’s favorite—Schmitt answers the questions we’ve all been asking, such What is excavating at a dig site like? Why did birds survive the Great Dying, unlike the rest of the dinosaurs? How has the field of paleontology changed since the Bone Wars? Does climate change and its effects on the dinosaurs’ survival compare to our current climate crisis today?The Lost World of the Dinosaurs is an all-encompassing exploration traveling back in time into the world of the primeval giants, perfect for anyone interested in the largest land creatures that ever inhabited Earth.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Dinosaurs, History, Palaeontology, Audiobook, Natural History

320 pages, Hardcover

First published November 5, 2024

About the author

Armin Schmitt has been fascinated by dinosaurs since he was five years old. During his studies in paleontology at Bonn, he also rose to the position of collection manager at the university’s Goldfußmuseum. Today, he is a vertebrate paleontologist and research assistant at the Department of Earth Sciences at Oxford University, as well as a PhD student at Cambridge University.

Reviews

[Nataliya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of course dinosaurs are absolutely fascinating, and no matter how many books about them I’ve read I’m always going to read the next one when it comes out. The planetary reign of these gigantic reptiles that make both our scale and planetary timespan look beyond insignificant, and their abrupt violent disappearance — it keeps my brain in perpetual awe.

Armin Schmitt doesn’t just re-trod the familiar territory here, although he, of course, as must be done in a book about dinosaurs, revisits the infamous Bone Wars between the competing 19th century dinosaur hunters Marsh and Cope, and T. rex with its tiny arms and the fancily terrifying Triceraptors. But he keeps a fresh focus with descriptions of the digs and newer paleontological finds and careful details of the fossils and how they were discovered and dug up, and manages to not overwhelm with jargon (he’s good at defining terms casually as he goes along).

What somehow escaped my knowledge before was the idea of splitting of the same dinosaur species into different ecological niches, with Tyrannosaur juveniles trophically behaving like a different species from adults, basically replacing medium-size predators in the Cretaceous period. Ontogeny is apparently fascinating. And so is the mere fact of not just survival of the dinosaurs but their domination in the world of Triassic hell. Ichthyosaurs, Omphalosaurus, Thrinaxodon in its deathly embrace with Broomistega, Plateosaurus in its muddy grave, dwarfish Europasaurus in prehistoric Germany as an example of island dwarfing, enormous sauropods, Spinosaurus, as well as learning from amber fossils and fossilized tracks, ovaries and cloacas. And of course, birds - the last living dinosaurs.

Enjoyable, informative and interesting, although far from a quick read.

4 stars.

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Thanks to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Also posted on my blog.

[Kristy Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by a German paleontologist, I really enjoyed this book that captured various aspects of the reign of dinosaurs from their beginnings to the various theories and arguments over their demise. Like the author, most of my readings about dinosaurs have been by American authors and mainly cover North American fossils and some from the British Isles. In recent years, I’ve been trying to expand my knowledge about the various fields in geology and updated information since I graduated from my studies over twenty years ago and entered industry.

I enjoyed the way this book was laid out with smooth transitions through a wide range of topics in a manner that made sense rather than chaotic and jumpy. It includes overviews of many popular topics from The Bone Wars to why does T-Rex have such tiny arms, as well as information about lesser-known dinosaurs and their importance to the fossil records. I also really enjoyed some personal anecdotes and adventures in the field as the author participated in excavations and other fascinating discoveries. I loved hearing about his experiences. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in the field.

This book does have a lot of descriptions of taxonomy, anatomy, and morphology. I’m not sure I would recommend it to a non-scientific layperson unless they are extremely well acquainted with dinosaurs or those topics in general. I found it fascinating, but I do have a background in geology, a paleontologist husband, and a fascination with animals and nature in general.

Thank you to Netgalley, The Hive, and Hanover Square Press for a copy provided for an honest review.

[J.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of dinosaurs who's read a number of the more recent non-fiction books on them (as well as some of the good and bad fiction; see my "dinosaurs" shelf), I had to wonder what this one might bring to the table. Is there really so much new information since the books which came out in the last few years that can be shared? Is it possible to tell it in a different way, or that makes sense to those of us who aren't paleontologists but still love to read about them and wish to understand them better?

Armin Schmitt actually does a very good job on all accounts. Yes, it still covers a lot of the same territory as some of my favorite books, but he does so in a way that felt new to me. He discusses the mass extinctions that lead to the dinosaurs dominance for so many millions of years. He then goes through the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous and highlights some of the species from each period. And he frequently does so by focusing specifically on the fossils and how they were found and excavated. But it's not all dry and dusty paleontological history - although he has a very entertaining section on "The Bone Wars" between Marsh and Cope - but he manages to bring it all alive and tell what is known (or believed) about how the animals existed and their environment.

Also, Schmitt is from Germany, whereas I believe most of the books I've previously read were by American and British writers. Because of this I think he brings a slightly different perspective to his narrative, and I noticed more information on "international" finds. And he also interjects just enough personal stories into the writing to make it interesting but not take away the focus from the dinosaurs.

So I was very pleasantly surprised with not only how readable the book is but also how it didn't feel like I was just reading a rehash of what others have already said. I think this one is a very worthy addition to the literature about dinosaurs. (I received an advance electronic copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley.)

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book about the current state of dinosaur research throughout the world. It is as short scholarly book. It follows the rise of the dinosaurs throughout the world and concentrates in a large part on those in the Cretaceous Period. It makes the case that birds are their descendants. I do not recommend the book for someone who is not well versed in biology and paleontology. However, if this is your field of interest or expertise, this is an excellent book.

[EmG ReadsDaily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating. Insightful. Accessible.

Written from palaeontologist and professor, Armin Schmitt.

[Foggygirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read, this book was on my wish list for almost 6 months I bought it as soon. As it was available and it didn’t disappoint.

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book presents a unique look at dinosaurs, incorporating the latest research and discoveries from the author’s global excavations. The book answers key questions about dinosaur life and paleontological advancements. It’s not a comprehensive narrative but is, rather, idiosyncratic to the author’s experience. The book contains interesting information I haven’t encountered elsewhere.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relevant and engaging. The Lost World of the Dinosaurs reads like a love letter to paleontology.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable, sometimes evolutionary writing can be a little dry but not with this book, I found his writing to be quite exciting and accessible. I discovered new species and new facts about treasured favourites. A journey through the Permian to the dreaded impact where these glorious creatures met their demise, this author captures a little bit of everything, 4.5 stars.

[Brian Corbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a dinosaur lover but this book made me wish I were a paleontologist!

[Aria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, the writing style and what I can only assume is the author’s ego really detracted from the fun dinosaur knowledge. The terrible audiobook narrator really exacerbated the feeling that the author’s ego was getting in the way of his ability to contribute or explain meaningful information. The way the chapters were divided seemed arbitrary, considering the information within them was scattershot and unfocused. Some information was repeated too many times, and other things weren’t explained well enough or relied on the reader having prior knowledge of things.

[Paleoanthro · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative and enjoyable look at the evolution of dinosaurs and the field work that went into discovering the fossils that informed our understanding; in an easily understandable history of some of the most amazing creatures that have inhabited the Earth.

[Tina Panik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for Library Journal; full review appears there.

[Scott Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Audiobook) An overall fun read. It doesn’t go into a lot of details about dinosaurs per se, but a work like this might serve as a refresher work for those adults that outgrew their obsessions with dinosaurs when younger. It does cover some speculations/assumptions about dinosaurs when they lived. It also reviews some of the history about dinosaurs as far as their discoveries in the 1800s (think the Fossil Wars between Marsh and Cope). You do get insight into some of the South American and Asian discoveries that didn’t populate as many books as they do now. Worth the library checkout (rating the same regardless of format).

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is not for a dino noob - Schmitt uses plenty of vocab and jargon that a noob would not know. But for a dino fan it was great, not wasting time repeating stuff they already know. It had up to date info, and the selection of dinos and fossils was great: plenty of stalwarts like T Rex and Triceratops, but plenty of other animals not so well known. I also like the tidbits from Schmitt's life and his opinions on various dino debates. Candid and informative.

[Don Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the first books I remember as a boy was one on dinosaurs. I have been a dinosaur lover all my life and as a librarian have read many many dinosaur books. But this one Is THE BEST! It is well written, well organized, and well illustrated. I even learned things I never knew! It's reading level is such that it would make a great gift to any age dinosaur lover. I give it the highest recommendation⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+

[Jeana Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated the global view of the different dinosaur discoveries. It never really occurred to me that a lot of the books I’ve read either focus only on fossils found in North America or maybe they just don’t mention where these fossils were found. Gives you more of a perspective on different researchers and studies going on about dinosaurs and their world.

[John Spalding · Rating 5 out of 5]

En lättillgänglig överblick som samtidigt grottar ner sig i några utvalda perspektiv och aspekter som rör den mesozoiska tidsperioden. Snyggt jobbat, Armin! Rawr!

[Rachel Holtzclaw]

soft DNF..... i truly could not focus on this at all rn so i'm hoping to revisit at a later time <3

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned and forgot lots of big words.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book answered questions I didn't even know I had, and filled me in on info discovered in recent years. The author's passion for paleontology shines through.

[Kamryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

dinosaurs

[Elma · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5⭐️

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-researched, highly technical and often fascinating look at where current scientific understanding sits today in regards to some of the biggest questions about dinosaurs. Occasionally the writing gets pretty wonky, but the book is so packed with facts that I can see myself returning to it in the future.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love a fun dinosaur book. I'm probably most taking away the whole juvenile/adult food block theory, cause it's a lot of fun. But this is a great tour through Dino-history, if you're looking for one.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Mayra González · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s such a brilliant book. I enjoyed every page and learned so much, not only about dinosaurs, but also about birds and even mammals. I’ve always been very passionate about paleontology, but Armin Schmitt, through this book, opened my eyes to a broader perspective on dinosaurs and evolution.

I also loved that he discusses many dinosaur topics I find fascinating! It makes me feel that I’m not alone in my curiosity about these things. For many years, I’ve wanted to visit Trelew in Argentina, and he talks about it! He also covers the lizard/bird found in Myanmar amber, and writes extensively about sauropods, Spinosaurus, T. rex, ichthyosaurs, triceratops, and even the oldest chicken fossil discovered recently from the Cretaceous. Funny enough, earlier that same day I read about it, I had listened to an interview with Daniel Field, who discovered it, and he’s mentioned in the book!

I just loved it. I first read it as a library copy, but I enjoyed it so much that I’ll be buying a hardcover for my own collection and future reference. Thank you, Armin Schmitt, for writing this book. Through your words you not only share your knowledge, but also convey your passion and love for paleontology. It’s truly inspiring.

[Eric Sullenberger · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview that does a great job going chronologically through the Mesozoic periods. He draws on plenty of personal experience and research. However, he is especially critical in the middle of the book of a lot of peer-reviewed ideas. They are potentially valid criticisms and make for great hypothesis, but he speaks a little authoritatively as if he knows simply because there is an analog. I just wish that the critiques could have been brought up without being so confident in the alternative hypothesis without solid evidence. It'll be interesting to see how the science actually plays out. There are a lot of specific species details that felt like getting into the weeds, but probably helps this book stand out. A very middle of the pack dinosaur book, but I'm still happy that the market for adult books on them has increased because of the expansion of palentilogists of my generation being inspired by Jurassic Park.

[Norma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as interesting as I hoped but I did like it.

[Kallie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent dinosaur book. I'm so glad we keep discovering new things, so that a book can come out every few years with mostly new information. I enjoyed the anatomy descriptions on how dinos differ from mammals and how that led to modern birds.