Quest for the African Dinosaurs: Ancient Roots of the Modern World

by Louis L. Jacobs

A leading American paleontologist records the landmark discoveries he has made on the continent of Africa, addressing, at the same time, many questions about the world of paleontology in general

Genres: Palaeontology, Science, Nonfiction, Dinosaurs

314 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to buy this so I could learn more about Lesothoasaurus, which I risked my life to see the tracks of near Maseru in Lesotho. Drinking, driving and a mountain pass named "God help me, Pass." I was not drinking or driving, I was hitch-hiking. I will probably not read the rest of it, but you never know.

[L-ssar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un libro sobre las expediciones paleontológicas de Jacobs a algunos países africanos. Aunque en principio él iba interesado en los mamíferos extintos encontró gran variedad de paleofauna diversa.
El ensayo es muy completo ya que no sólo habla de los hallazgos si no de la población de la zona, de cómo interactuaron con ellos y sobre todo el enfoque de la paleontología como motor de desarrollo para el país propietario de los fósiles. Además logra hacer un repaso a la paleobiología básica de una forma amena e incluso introduce temas como la historia de la Tierra o el cambio climático.
Muy interesante pero con cuidado ya que tiene unos 20 años y la información sobre los ejemplares ha cambiado o era erronea (por ejemplo habla de un fósil de Messel que en esa época se pensaba que era un osos hormiguero, con las implicaciones biogeográficas que ello conlleva, y en realidad es un pangolín)

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very engaging chronicle of the author's fossil expeditions to Malawi (and Cameroon). While there is not as much on specific dinosaur finds as I'd hoped, the side trips on Malawi history, geography, and culture were well worth it and a definite contrast to the usual stories of working in Montana and the Dakotas. Interesting details on funding, getting to sites, excavation, working with locals, and the day-to-day trivia of working a site.

[Glenn Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more of a travelogue and work journal than anything about dinosaurs that focused on Malawi and Cameroon. Informative, not deep. Still a fun book.