Dinosaurus - 2nd Edition by Steve Parker (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"Magnificent in its breadth and illustration." -- Booklist

Dinosaurus was published in 2003 and went on to sell 15,000 in hardcover and more in paperback. Now 13 years have passed during which there have been dozens of discoveries. At the same price and fully revised, this edition of Dinosaurus is simply too exceptional a value to pass up.

Many incredible discoveries made 2015 a banner year. For example:

• Yi qi ("ee chee", "strange wing"), the earliest known flying non-avian dinosaur
• The "Chicken from Hell," a bird-like beaked, clawed and feathered dinosaur that roamed the Dakotas
• Zhenyuanlong suni, a cousin of Velociraptor, suggests that this family has been inaccurately depicted. The new 5-foot-long dino more resembles a feathered poodle than the brute of Jurassic Park.
• "Superduck," at 5 tons and with a mate-attracting head crest it is thought to be a missing link between two other known duck-billed head-crested dinosaur species.

Perhaps most exciting is that in 2016 the American Museum of Natural History opened a new exhibition featuring the astonishing, newly discovered 122-foot-long titanosaur, yet to be named. The plant-eating colossus is the largest dinosaur ever found -- it weighed around 77 tons--as much as 14 or 15 African elephants!

No other life-form captures the imagination like dinosaurs. Organized by the major dinosaur families, Dinosaurus identifies 500 species. It describes in detail and stunning illustrations what they looked like, what they ate and how they fought, lived and died.

The features include:

• Concise explanations of species' traits and habits
• Vivid full-color illustrations representing life among the dinosaurs
• Stunning color photographs of dinosaur discoveries
• Latin name, translation and pronunciation
• Height specifics and comparison to humans
• Diet and habitat
• Global distribution.

Brimming with research from digs in North America, Mongolia, Europe, China and elsewhere, Dinosaurus is an encyclopedic and vividly illustrated reference for all ages.

Review Quotes

[Review of previous edition: ] Lavishly illustrated overview of the most interesting of these creatures... the latest scientific theories.-- "Globe and Mail" (11/22/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Attractive drawings, well-designed graphic snapshots and accessible language.--Mary Ann Gwinn "Seattle Times" (12/10/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Comprehensive in scope... Filled with abundance of information... An attractive and consistent layout contributes to the book's appeal as does the plethora of fabulous illustrations... An excellent reference book.--Gail Hamilton "CM Magazine" (2/27/2004 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Comprehensive, well-organized and cleverly illustrated... lively account of the days when dinosaurs roamed the earth.--Keith Runyon "Louisville Courier-Journal" (12/14/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] If you're serious about dinos, this is the book for you... the paintings of the creatures in motion are riveting (and sometimes a little scary).--Mary Ann Grossmann "St Paul Pioneer Press" (11/23/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Informative and fun.--Bruce Dancis "Sacramento Bee" (11/30/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Large, vivid illustrations grace every page and accompany data indicating how dinosaurs lived, what they ate, how big they were, where they roamed, and when they lived.-- "Science News" (12/6/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Magnificent in its breadth and illustration. Arrangement is by group, and 500 dinosaurs are described.--RBB "Booklist" (3/1/2004 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Nice little factoids make this a winner... A great timeline from 540 million years ago to the present is fun.-- "Princeton Times of Trenton" (12/7/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Not only lists and illustrates 700 known dinosaur species, but also puts dinosaurs into context.--Kim Covert "Canadian Press" (12/3/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] The dinosaurs in this encyclopedia are remarkably lifelike creatures... accessible, nontechnical text... Each entry includes an ingenious fact file... Recommended for public libraries.--Amy Brunvand "Library Journal" (12/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] The subtitle -- The Complete Guide to Dinosaurs -- is no lie... Information and illustrations and reconstructions of everything.--Tom Oleson "Winnipeg Free Press" (12/7/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous edition: ] Written by an expert who can't help but convey his enthusiasm... an excellent resource... I would highly recommend this book, especially as a library resource.--Jacqueline Pfeiffer "Science and Children" (7/1/2005 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Steve Parker is a scientific fellow of the Zoological Society and is the author of The Encyclopedia of Sharks.