Dinosaurus
A Prehistoric Dictionary
Rhys Charles’s Dinosaurus is an up-to-date and informative reference book that’s packed with quality science, useful illustrations, and interesting trivia.
The book’s first and largest section is a dictionary of dinosaurs, with each entry featuring a drawing of the skeleton, notes on pronunciation, and notes on where and when the animal was discovered. The individual dinosaurs’ entries describe them and explain how the fossil records revealed some of their unusual traits: Its fused jaw meant Fukuisaurus couldn’t chew the same way similar dinosaurs could, the famous clubbed tail of Ankylosaurus was only found intact on one fossil specimen, and pigment structures in its preserved feathers allowed scientists to determine what colors Anchiornis presented.
While the dinosaurs themselves are the stars of the book, the book gives similar treatment to other animals that shared the world with dinosaurs, from prehistoric fish to the mammal ancestor Morganucodon. The book also walks through the various eras of prehistoric history up through the Ice Age, covering the way life evolved in each, the mass extinctions that shaped the world, and the physical changes to the planet that broke up supercontinents and allowed species to evolve along separate paths.
In addition, the book addresses important scientific terminology, showing how it applies to dinosaurs. It also features entries on some of the most important fossil sites. While it packs in a lot of information, its style is accessible and its range of entries provides additional context. It all adds up to a reference text that’s more fun than most dictionaries without skimping on the science.
Dinosaurus is a handy guide to the world of prehistoric animals and the science of what people know about them.
Reviewed by
Jeff Fleischer
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
