Story of the Dinosaurs in 25 Discoveries: Amazing Fossils and the People Who Found Them

The book "The Story of the Dinosaurs in 25 Discoveries" by Donald R. Prothero tells the fascinating stories behind the most important fossil finds and the intrepid researchers who unearthed them, weaving together dramatic tales of dinosaur discoveries with what modern science now knows about the species to which they belong. It offers a clear and rigorous look at what paleontologists consider sound interpretation of evidence and teaches us to see an ancient world ruled by giant majestic creatures anew.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 488 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2021
Publisher: Columbia University Press

The journey to understand the diverse array of dinosaur species that exist today has been a long and arduous one, spanning centuries of scientific effort and a touch of good fortune. While many children can recite the names of numerous dinosaurs with ease, the process of uncovering and confirming the existence of these ancient creatures has been a complex and intricate one. In his book, "The Story of the Dinosaurs in 25 Discoveries," Donald R. Prothero takes readers on a captivating journey through the most significant fossil finds and the courageous researchers who unearthed them.

In twenty-five vivid vignettes, Prothero weaves together dramatic tales of dinosaur discoveries with the latest scientific knowledge about the species to which they belong. He takes us from the eighteenth-century sightings of colossal bones mistaken for biblical giants to recent discoveries of even larger predators, such as the formidable Tyrannosaurus rex. Along the way, he recounts the adventures of the larger-than-life personalities who shaped modern paleontology, including rivalries like the nineteenth-century "Bone Wars."

Prothero also delves into the challenges of drawing boundaries between species and explores controversial topics such as whether dinosaurs had feathers. He provides a clear and rigorous examination of the evidence considered by paleontologists when making interpretations, helping readers to gain a deeper understanding of the field.

This book is a must-read for any dinosaur enthusiast, as it offers a fresh perspective on an ancient world once dominated by majestic creatures. It teaches us to see the world of dinosaurs anew, shedding light on their lives, behaviors, and evolutionary journeys. Through the stories of these remarkable discoveries, Prothero reminds us of the incredible strides made in paleontology and the ongoing quest to uncover the secrets of the past.

Weight: 624g
Dimension: 143 x 220 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231186032