A History of Dinosaurs in 50 Fossils

KIRKUS REVIEWS
“Good pictures and a basic education. Barrett, a merit researcher at the Natural History Museum, London, delivers an informative account of dinosaur evolution, emphasizing the Mesozoic era (from about 250 million to 66 million years ago), when dinosaurs dominated land and air with a nod toward an earlier era when their ancestor, a small lizardlike creature scuttled through the underbrush about 320 million years ago. […] Perhaps the most pleasure readers will experience in these books is poring over dozens of colorful artistic recreations of Mesozoic life, with crowds of dinosaurs going about their business in an authentic, if overcrowded, landscape. […] Vivid insights for the dinosaur buff.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
“An engaging and educational journey through the prehistoric world, presented through the lens of 50 carefully chosen fossils. Barrett, a renowned paleontologist, uses these specimens to illustrate the evolution, diversity, and paleobiology of dinosaurs, ­offering readers a chronological and thematic exploration of these ancient creatures. The book’s structure guides readers from the earliest ­dinosaur fossils to the latest discoveries, making it accessible to enthusiasts and scholars. Each fossil is ­detailed with high-quality illustrations and photographs, ­accompanied by insightful commentary that places each specimen in its historical context. Barrett’s writing is clear and informative, balancing scientific accuracy with an engaging narrative that brings the world of dinosaurs to life. What sets this book apart is its ability to distill complex ­paleontological concepts into digestible and captivating ­entries. The selection of fossils showcases the breadth of dinosaur evolution, highlighting key transitional forms and major discoveries.”

BOOKLIST
“In this colorful work, the author highlights 50 important fossil discoveries pertaining to dinosaurs. Shown in full-color pictures, the fossils range from fully recreated specimens to individuals preserved in sediment to anatomical structures from the fossil record. Particularly fascinating are the fossils of early bird species, like Confuciusornis, that show the outline of feathers. Some milestones include the first dinosaur, early hunters, specialized herbivores, species with plates and spines (think Stegosaurus), the first giant dinosaurs, aquatic species, and more. […] the author is a skilled storyteller, and the narrative is engaging.”