The Illustrated Dinosaur Encyclopedia: A Visual Who's Who of Prehistoric Life

by Barry Cox, R. J. G. Savage, Brian Gardiner, and Colin Harrison

The Illustrated Dinosaur Encyclopedia​is an unmatched reference work distinguished by its erudition and beauty—an illustrated who's who of prehistoric life and a source book of more than 500 million years of evolution on Earth.

With entries for more than 600 species, each arranged in its evolutionary sequence, this book presents a panorama of enormous diversity, from predatory dinosaurs to primitive amphibians, from giant armored fish to woolly mammoths, saber-tooth tigers, and dire wolves. Each entry features a specially commissioned full-color painting prepared according to the best research of today in close collaboration with world renowned paleontologists.

The records of rocks—fossil bones, teeth, skin, hair, and even footprints and nests—have been combined with knowledge of the anatomy and behavior of present day descendants to arrive at informed judgments about posture, color, and other aspects of appearance. Lively and informative "biographies" of the creatures accompany these remarkable illustrations: how they moved, what they ate, where they ranged, and the habitats and ecological niches they occupied.

Comparisons are made wherever possible with familiar living animals, highlighting both the contrasts and similarities. Also included are articles on subjects such as the time scale of evolution, fossil formation and interpretation, and convergent evolution. Truly a magnificent source book, The Illustrated Dinosaur Encyclopedia​ is both a triumph of scholarship and a work of art.

• ISBN13: 9780785838272
• Publish Date: 12 October 2021
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 22 December 2021
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Book Sales Inc
• Imprint: Chartwell Books Inc.,U.S.
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 312
• Language: English

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Creatures is a gorgeously illustrated and scientifically correct (as far as I can tell) encyclopedic overview of prehistoric creatures and dinosaurs from the earliest down to the rise of the age of mammals (sabertooth tigers and mammoths). Due out 11th June 2020 from Quarto on their Chartwell imprint, it's 312 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

This is a super interesting and engaging look at dinosaurs and other creatures (insects, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals) arranged chronologically from the earliest to the latest, showing their development and succession. There are over 600 species included with highlights and information about habitat, diet, possible appearance, and behavior. The colors are vibrant and varied (a huge upgrade from the usual brown, mud, black, ochre, and khaki in most dinosaur books).

The writing is accessible and engaging. The illustrations are vibrant and colorful. This would make a superlative classroom or library book, as well as being a wonderful pick for any paleontology fans in your circle of friends or family.

Five enthusiastic stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.