The Dinosauria

by David B. Weishampel (Editor), Peter Dodson (Editor), Halszka Osmólska (Editor)

When the The Dinosauria was first published more than a decade ago, it was hailed as "the best scholarly reference work available on dinosaurs" and "an historically unparalleled compendium of information." This second, fully revised edition continues in the same vein as the first but encompasses the recent spectacular discoveries that have continued to revolutionize the field. A state-of-the-science view of current world research, the volume includes comprehensive coverage of dinosaur systematics, reproduction, and life history strategies, biogeography, taphonomy, paleoecology, thermoregulation, and extinction. Its internationally renowned authors―forty-four specialists on the various members of the Dinosauria―contribute definitive descriptions and illustrations of these magnificent Mesozoic beasts.

The first section of The Dinosauria begins with the origin of the great clade of these fascinating reptiles, followed by separate coverage of each major dinosaur taxon, including the Mesozoic radiation of birds. The second part of the volume navigates through broad areas of interest. Here we find comprehensive documentation of dinosaur distribution through time and space, discussion of the interface between geology and biology, and the paleoecological inferences that can be made through this link. This new edition will be the benchmark reference for everyone who needs authoritative information on dinosaurs.

Genres: Palaeontology, Science, Dinosaurs, Nonfiction, Biology, Reference, Textbooks

880 pages, Paperback

First published September 24, 1990

About the author

David B. Weishampel is a professor at the Center for Functional Anatomy and Evolution at Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine. Weishampel is best known for discovering, researching, and naming several rare European dinosaur species. During the 1980s Weishampel gained fame for his work with American paleontologist Jack Horner and later named the famous plant-eating, egg-laying Orodromeus, Horner. Now, a decade after his pioneering studies with Horner, Weishampel is most widely known for his current work on the Romanian dinosaur fauna. He is the author and co-author of many titles, including The Dinosaur Papers, 1676-1906 (Norton, 2003); The Dinosauria (University of California, 1990); and Dinosaurs of the East Coast (Johns Hopkins University Press, 1996).

Reviews

[Omar Boujibar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must have for all Paleontology enthusiasts. It is not an amateur book. This second edition covers 160 million years of data. Serious dinosaur fans(non-paleontologists) need some patience with this book. Be ready for a whole lot of latin words, chronology, anatomy and not many illustrations. About 1/5 of the way and you already learn about taxonomy, phylogeny, biogeography, paleoecology and so on. I gotta say I have learned interesting words and the scientific methodology behind the discoveries. The facts are amazing. It clarifies many misconceptions about our fellow extinct organisms. I'm pretty sure this will remain as the number one reference for Paleontology fans.

[Alan Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is THE reference book for serious paleontologists. Very technical stuff so not for the average reader.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dino classic.

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Dinosaur Encyclopedia is impressive.

[Kathryn Corbin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good reference book for those that are truely interested in paleontology. As the name indecates, it covers the Dinosaurs from their origins in the late Triassic to their abrupt exit at the end of the Cretacous.

[Asia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not finished; returned to library. Book is enormous and packed with info -- not sure if I'll ever get all the way through it.