The Marshall Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs & Prehistoric Animals: A Comprehensive Color Guide to over 500 Species

by Douglas Palmer (Editor)

This "Who Was Who" of the prehistoric world is a fascinating reference book examining over 500 extinct species in detail, from the mighty dinosaurs and flying reptiles to armored fish, woolly mammoths, and our own prehistoric ancestors. World renowned artists collaborated closely with paleontologists using strict scientific principles to illustrate each animal in full color to create a comprehensive catalogue of prehistoric vertebrate animals. Among a vast array of species described and illustrated are such extraordinary creatures -- Spiny sharks and ray-tinned fishes-- Allosaurus and Tyrannosaurus-- Brachiosauras and Diploducus In addition to anatomical descriptions of each animal, there is also information regarding their habitats, behavior, and lifestyles. Furthermore, there are sections on the formation, discovery, exhumation, and reconstruction of fossils; the geologic time scale; and the nature and history of evolution. Assembled by a group of noted paleontologist, this is the most accurate presentation of the prehistoric world available.

Genres: Palaeontology, Nonfiction, Reference

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Douglas Palmer is a science writer, academic, and author of many books on paleontology, including Life Before Man and Graptolites: Writing in the Rock. In addition to writing numerous articles for leading journals such as Science and New Scientist, he teaches Natural and Earth Sciences at Cambridge University, England.

Reviews

[Sharon Barrow Wilfong · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was interested in a listing of all the dinosaurs and I believe this book accomplishes that.

Now I would like to find a book if it exists, of a book about all the classifications of dinosaurs with real photos of the fossils, plus a rendering of how the experts think the dinosaurs actually looked. That would allow the reader to see what part of these animals are real and what part are a product of the scientists' imagination.

I could also do without the speculation as to the origins. I just want what is actually known: Where were the fossil remains found, preferably with photos, and the bones as they found them, then afterwards the bones put together. Then show us a drawing.

There's too much evolutionary theory spoon feeding in dinosaur books and this book is no exception.