The Princeton field guide to dinosaurs

Paul, an eminent authority on dinosaur anatomy and a leading dinosaur illustrator, presents detailed information on all dinosaur groups. The title is misleading, since the book does not resemble a traditional field guide. Its large size provides rich content and hundreds of detailed diagrams featuring dinosaur skeletons, skulls, and artistic reconstructions. The author, well known for his detailed skeletal diagrams and ability to interpret dinosaur biomechanics, displays his formidable skills throughout this book. It begins with a 50-page sweeping introduction to dinosaur biology on such topics as dinosaur senses, digestive systems, behaviors, energetics, skin characteristics (including feathers in some), and why some dinosaurs became so large. These brief, up-to-date accounts portray dinosaurs as complex, active, and highly diverse creatures. Most of the book focuses on species-by-species accounts, beginning with theropods, followed by sauropodomorphs, and then ornithiscians. The accompanying detailed diagrams are a valuable resource. The lack of diagrams naming the actual bones of the skull and postcranial skeleton hinders understanding. Also lacking is any section devoted to naming skeletal components, an odd omission. A close reading might hold surprises for even seasoned students. Serious dinosaur scholars will devour this book; it is a major contribution to the field. Summing Up; Highly recommended. All academic and general readers. J. C. Kricher Wheaton College (MA)

Covering 735 species of dinosaurs, this volume, the work of a well-known dinosaur researcher and illustrator, consists of two main sections. The first is an introduction that includes a discussion on dinosaur evolution, biology, behavior, and more. The majority of the information is found in the Group and Species Accounts section and is further divided into three groups: Theropods, Sauropodomorphs, and Ornithischians. Entries on each species are concise and typically include information related to their anatomical characteristics, age, distribution, and habitat. Notes may be used to communicate alternative theories or debates that apply to the species. The volume also contains more than 600 color and black-and-white illustrations, among them more than 130 color life studies (some of them scenic views); nearly 450 skeletal, skull, head, and muscle drawings; and 8 paleo-distribution maps. Described as the first authoritative dinosaur book in the style of a field guide, this volume is more scientific in its language and approach than many of the other dinosaur books a library will have in its collection. At the same time, the illustrations should attract dinosaur fans. Recommended for public and academic libraries.--Rosenberg, Robyn Copyright 2010 Booklist

This latest book by Paul, a leading dinosaur researcher and illustrator, is an excellent accompaniment to your standard dinosaur encyclopedias. Its strength lies is the inclusion of over 735 species, along with information on how complete the fossil skeletons representing them are, anatomical characteristics, distribution of fossil finds, the animal's probable habitat, and what scientists believe about its behavior. The text incorporates new scientific opinion on the appearance and habitat of many dinosaurs, and it is beautifully illustrated with over 600 images depicting both skeletal anatomy and current opinions on the creatures' appearance. Paul is an expert, having written seven books on dinosaurs as well as many technical papers and popular articles on the subject. VERDICT Though not a field guide to stuff in your backpack, this exciting addition to dinosaur reference is essential for high school through university libraries and is highly recommended for all students of dinosaurs.-Betty Galbraith, Washington State Univ. Libs., Pullman (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Covering 735 species of dinosaurs, this volume, the work of a well-known dinosaur researcher and illustrator, consists of two main sections. The first is an introduction that includes a discussion on dinosaur evolution, biology, behavior, and more. The majority of the information is found in the "Group and Species Accounts" section and is further divided into three groups: "Theropods," "Sauropodomorphs," and "Ornithischians." Entries on each species are concise and typically include information related to their anatomical characteristics, age, distribution, and habitat. Notes may be used to communicate alternative theories or debates that apply to the species. The volume also contains more than 600 color and black-and-white illustrations, among them more than 130 color life studies (some of them scenic views); nearly 450 skeletal, skull, head, and muscle drawings; and 8 paleo-distribution maps. Described as "the first authoritative dinosaur book in the style of a field guide," this volume is more scientific in its language and approach than many of the other dinosaur books a library will have in its collection. At the same time, the illustrations should attract dinosaur fans. Recommended for public and academic libraries. Copyright 2010 Booklist Reviews.

This latest book by Paul, a leading dinosaur researcher and illustrator, is an excellent accompaniment to your standard dinosaur encyclopedias. Its strength lies is the inclusion of over 735 species, along with information on how complete the fossil skeletons representing them are, anatomical characteristics, distribution of fossil finds, the animal's probable habitat, and what scientists believe about its behavior. The text incorporates new scientific opinion on the appearance and habitat of many dinosaurs, and it is beautifully illustrated with over 600 images depicting both skeletal anatomy and current opinions on the creatures' appearance. Paul is an expert, having written seven books on dinosaurs as well as many technical papers and popular articles on the subject. VERDICT Though not a field guide to stuff in your backpack, this exciting addition to dinosaur reference is essential for high school through university libraries and is highly recommended for all students of dinosaurs.—Betty Galbraith, Washington State Univ. Libs., Pullman