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, Animals

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.

[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!

[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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+

[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!

[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.

[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.

[Norma · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[ForgedOpulence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the year I'm doomed to not review a book in a timely manner (it's been 2 months 😭). Take my limited recollection for what it's worth.

Perfection. Dinosaurs are so fkn cool 🥰🦖😍🦕

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lost World of the Dinosaurs: Uncovering the Secrets of the Prehistoric Age, by Armin Schmitt, offers up a mostly enjoyable and certainly informative look at dinosaurs and their successors (though mostly dinosaurs), even if it’s not as strong in some of its narrative elements as some other recent similar works.

If you’re wondering if there’s anything new to add to the topic, Schmitt immediately lets the reader know that paleontology has hardly stood still since the famed discoveries of T-Rex, Stegosaurus, and Triceratops, noting that “since 2003, about forty-five new dinosaurs have been discovered each year.” So yes, while the aforementioned always-popular dinosaurs make their appearances here (who would be crazy enough to leave out T-Rex or Triceratops, after all?), there are also a slew of new dinosaur species to be discovered. It’s also refreshing to head elsewhere in dino-land than the Hell’s Creek and Badlands areas of the western US. Or even the areas of China that have become so well-known thanks especially to their wonderfully preserved fossils of feathered dinosaurs. So we get those hot spots, but also lesser-known sites in Europe (Schmitt is German), the Middle East, and Africa, amongst others.

Of course, he also covers well-trod territory, as one must with these sorts of books. So we get explanations of the various major extinction events, such as the one at the end of the Permian (the “Great Dying”) and, naturally, the asteroid cataclysm that brought an end to the dinosaurs. Descriptions are vivid and detailed, though not overly so. And we also get excellent explanations of why certain creatures might have better weathered (or not) such events or the new worlds left in their aftermaths. Such as how after the Permian extinction, “the archosaurs, and dinosaurs in particular, were able to hold their own in the hostile world of the Triassic because their efficient lungs were better able to cope with the low levels of atmospheric oxygen, they could run faster with their long, straight legs, and their bodies were farther from the hot ground than those of other lizards and amphibians.”

Schmitt spends a good among of time delving into various specific dinosaurs and their time periods, often bringing us on site to the digs they were discovered, usually as well bringing in his own experience at these sites, ranging from when he was just starting out in the field doing the grunt work (carrying heavy sheathing plaster up mountains) to when he was higher up in echelon of scientists working on site, doing his own research. The personal element was a nice touch throughout the book, whether he was conveying the joy of making a discovery or the “heavy heart” pain of having to re-bury a new find due to lack of time and funds to fully excavate and transport it (bad enough to re-bury a find, even worse the anxiety of it being stolen by fossil poachers before someone has the chance to excavate it for science).

The science is another fascinating element of the book, as we get detailed explanations not just of the dinosaurs physical traits or details of excavations, but also of the process by which we’ve learned dinosaur behavior and anatomy from more than just bones, but also from trace fossilizations, track sites, genetics, advanced microscopy, and comparisons to modern-day creatures. And it is a process Schmitt makes clear, full of mistakes and half-steps and rethinking and recategorization. One that is ongoing, as he details several current debates in the field over species categories and creature behavior. The Lost World of the Dinosaurs is without a doubt good, and if it’s not “great”, well, that’s a pretty high bar, making this an easy recommendation for anyone interested in the topic.

As noted, the content is almost always fascinating and always informative, whether it’s familiar material such as a digression into the famous “Bone Wars” in the late 1800s between paleontologists Marsh and Cope or entirely new finds. And Schmitt’s language is clear and precise throughout, and he mostly shows a good sense of just how much detail to give, always a tough question with popular science. I’d be lying if I didn’t say there were a few times I could have done with a little less, but they were rare, and other readers mileage may vary on that. If I had one quibble it would be that the book felt a bit random in its organization, more a collection of disparate descriptions of aspects of the field that held loosely together, certainly to an adequate extent, but lacked that sense of narrative that often separates “good” popular science from “great” popular science. But

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"The Lost World of the Dinosaurs: Uncovering the Secrets of the Prehistoric Age" by Armin Schmitt is a captivating and meticulously researched exploration into the ancient world of dinosaurs. This book is a must-read for anyone fascinated by these majestic creatures and the mysteries of the prehistoric era.

Schmitt takes readers on an enlightening journey through the Mesozoic Era, expertly blending scientific rigor with engaging storytelling. The book delves into the latest discoveries and theories in paleontology, offering insights into the lives, behaviors, and environments of various dinosaurs, such as the Tyrannosaurus Rex to the smaller, feathered dinosaurs, Schmitt paints a vivid picture of a world long gone.

Schmitt's writing is clear and engaging, making complex scientific concepts understandable to a broad audience. The book is well-organized, with each chapter focusing on different aspects of dinosaur life, such as their evolution, diet, and habitats. This structure allows readers to easily follow along and absorb the wealth of information presented.

The inclusion of stunning illustrations and photographs further enhances the reading experience. These visuals not only bring the ancient world to life but also provide valuable context to the text. Readers can appreciate the sheer scale and diversity of dinosaurs, as well as the intricate details of their anatomy and behavior.

Schmitt also addresses the ongoing debates and unanswered questions in the field of paleontology. He explores the latest advancements in technology and how they are helping scientists uncover new secrets about these fascinating creatures. This forward-thinking approach keeps the content fresh and relevant, highlighting the dynamic nature of scientific discovery.

"The Lost World of the Dinosaurs" is an informative and thoroughly enjoyable read that will appeal to dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages. Armin Schmitt has succeeded in creating a comprehensive and visually stunning guide to the prehistoric age, making it a valuable addition to any bookshelf. Whether you are a seasoned paleontologist or a curious novice, this book will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the incredible world of dinosaurs and the science that continues to uncover their secrets.

[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.

[Benjamin Bookman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the concept of the book - a survey of some of the up-to-date knowledge of dinosaurs, across the timeline, in a non-academic/readable style. It just didn’t actually meet most of those goals. It was simultaneously a bit too technical for a casual reader, but lacked detail to actually complete any portion. It felt like everything was just scattered in there, without a sense of flow or purpose. It often felt like some conclusion was building, and then it just jumped to something totally different. The images were cool, but not enough to make a big difference on comprehension. Random personal anecdotes were probably intended to bring a human element, but they weren’t integrated enough to feel relevant. Overall, I learned a few things, read some cool theories, don’t feel like I wasted my time or hurt my brain reading. But wouldn’t seek out more from this author as a “great book” or recommend it for anything other than a curious quick glance.

[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.

[KZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book about dinosaurs!
I thought it was a good mix of personal stories/experiences from the author, historical finds, and the latest scientific finds. I studied zoology and had learned a little about some of the topics covered in the book, and it was interesting to learn more.

I do think it helped me to have some related scientific background when reading this book. There are a lot of scientific terms, scientific names, etc. - so if you’re not interested in that, you might want to skip this book. That being said, many terms are defined right on the page and there’s also a glossary of terms at the end. I didn’t feel that anything was TOO complicated or overly described, to be too much for a someone with just a general or basic knowledge of dinosaurs to understand.

[Kristen]

DNF at 11%

Armin Schmitt, a vertebrae paleontologist, answers some questions about paleontology, shares how modern technology as revitalized the subject of dinosaurs, and gives some insight from his own personal stories.

I picked this book up on a whim. I know a bit about dinosaurs (mostly from school and news articles about newly discovered species and scientific discoveries) but I am by no means well-versed in the subject. That being said, I do think that this has the potential to be exceptionally interesting, but I feel like I am at too low of an understanding to really take in and appreciate the information offered here. I decided not to stick with it, as I have many other books that I need to finish, so my DNF is definitely more of a "me, not you" sort of thing. I think this would be best for those who have already done some studying on the topic.

[Randy Dykhuis · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a youngster, I devoured books, fiction and nonfiction, about dinosaurs and had quite a collection of dinosaur figurines. But it has been a while since I've read a dinosaur book. Schmitt's book may not have been the best choice to dive back into the world of dinosaurs. It is pretty heavy on jargon and scientific terminology, much of which I had a difficult time parsing. There is, however, much to recommend the book. Schmitt does a good job describing the current state of research about dinosaurs and what is known and settled and what is still in dispute and/or under investigation.

As long as you are prepared for the somewhat technical nature of this book, you'll gain a fair amount of insight into the evolution of dinosaurs during their long dominance on earth.