Indiana University Press blog

Book reviews: The Complete Dinosaur

"This substantial, and now revised, multi-author book is a good introduction to dinosaur (and early bird) science, without demanding much if any technical knowledge, in 45 chapters variously taxonomic and thematic, on subjects including aspects of dinobiology, methodology and theory, and even dinoart." —Archives of Natural History

"For such a large book devoted to mostly science, it’s nice to see that science embedded by appreciation for the history of the field of dinosaur paleontology on both ends. Throughout the book are scientific illustrations and other images, as well as a central section of colored plates of dinosaur art." —The Dispersal of Darwin

Book reviews: Dodo and the Solitaire

The Dodo and the Solitaire was reviewed in the following publications:

"Paleobiologist Parish presents a tour de force examination of two birds that have been extinct for approximately 400 years. Written in comprehensive detail, it is dense with an amazing amount of history, references, facts, maps, and illustrations." —Library Journal

"Parish has crafted a book that will firmly resist obsolescence." —This View of Life

Book review: Life Traces of the Georgia Coast

"Augmented by numerous illustrations of traces made by both ancient and modern organisms, the book shows how ancient trace fossils directly relate to modern traces and tracemakers, among them, insects, grasses, crabs, shorebirds, alligators, and sea turtles. The result is an aesthetically appealing and scientifically accurate book that will serve as both a source book for scientists and for anyone interested in the natural history of the Georgia coast." —Birdbooker Report

Book review: The Complete Dinosaur

"[A] highly valuable resource for anyone with a serious interest in dinosaurs. Even as dinosaur family trees change, and discoveries alter what we thought we knew, the new volume is a fertile starting place for students and experts interested in paleontological problems they have not considered before. At the very least, The Complete Dinosaur demonstrates how exceptionally rich the study of dinosaurs has become." —National Geographic Laelaps

Anthony Martin to give talk about Georgia Barrier Islands January 26

On Saturday, January 26, Emory professor Anthony Martin will give a talk about the Georgia Barrier Islands and his new book, Life Traces of the Georgia Coast. The event takes place at Manuel's Tavern at 7 p.m. Suggested donation for non-students is $3. Books will be available for purchase at the event. More information about Dr. Martin's talk is available here.

Learn more about the book in this trailer:

Staff pick: Earth before the Dinosaurs by Sébastien Steyer

Reviewed by production assistant, Laura Hohman

The dinosaurs are certainly the superstars of the prehistoric past, but Earth before the Dinosaurs gives us a glimpse of the amazing creatures that came before. These animals are no less fascinating and certainly deserve the excellent treatment they get in this book.

The book covers the evolution of vertebrates—limbs, other adaptations for terrestrial life, early adaptations for flight (gliding), and the ancestors of mammals. Photographs of fossils accompany incredible illustrations of what these animals and their habitats possibly looked like. I would personally love full-sized versions of several of these illustrations to frame and hang on my wall, but I’ll content myself with enjoying them in book form.

Technical and scientific information is accompanied by a welcome sense of humor. I laughed at loud while reading about “The ‘Precious’ of Lesotho:”

The piece came back to one of its discoverers, Léonard Ginsburg, who published on it with a colleague and then hid his “precious” away from prying eyes at the back of a drawer. And some things that should not have been forgotten were lost. Years went by. The specimen passed out of all knowledge. History became legend. Legend became myth—that of the only temnospondyl from Lesotho. For nearly thirty years no one talked of the capitosaur from Lesotho until, when the chance came, the fossil ensnared another bearer, a paleontologist called Philippe Janvier. For years, lurking in the unlit interior of a drawer, it occupied his mind. Darkness crept back into the Jardin des Plantes. Rumors grew of a shadow—whispers of a nameless fear. The Lesotho fossil knew its time had come. But then something happened the fossil did not expect. Philippe gave me the fossil and said, “Léonard’s fossil . . . He’s left to work on mammals. I’ve kept it all these years and now it’s yours. Re-examine it carefully and, above all, keep it safe. I have a few matters I must attend to."

The comparison made by the author to a mythical ring may not be too far off the mark. The inclusion of humans in the vertebrate “glider’s club,” complete with illustration, also merited a chuckle.

If you love reading about dinosaurs, expand your reading a bit and give this book a try!

Choice reviews - December 2012

The following books were reviewed in the December 2012 issue of Choice (requires subscription):

Carlos Aldama's Life in Bata

"Vaughan and Aldama examine the evolution of the batį drum ensemble, covering playing techniques, cultural context, and the link between the drumming and religion (Santerķa). . . . Of particular interest are 30 audio tracks of batį drumming (recorded by Aldama, Vaughan, and others), which can be downloaded from an online site. . . . Recommended."

Earth before the Dinosaurs

"Steyer provides a rather detailed and diverse introduction to vertebrates preceding the
dinosaurs as well as some contemporaneous with them, showing how the multiple types of aquatic and terrestrial forms originated and diverged. . . . Highly
recommended."

Digging for dinosaur book deals? Check out our paleontology sale!

In honor of International Dinosaur Month in October, we're offering 30% off plus free domestic ground shipping* on our paleontology books! Enter sale code WMP3AX at checkout to receive discounted prices and free shipping. Sale ends November 16, 2012. Shop now

*Free shipping offer applies to customers within the U.S. only

Book review: Urumaco and Venezuelan Paleontology

"This volume is a necessary and important contribution to our understanding of a diverse fossil assemblage from a region of the world that is sorely in need of further paleontological investigation." —Journal of Mammalian Evolution

Roland Gangloff to discuss new dinosaur book at two Alaska events

Roland A. Gangloff, the "grandfather of Alaksa paleontology," will discuss and sign copies of his new book Dinosaurs under the Aurora at two free events this Thursday, August 16.

The first event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Alaska Museum of Natural History. Gangloff will give a presentation at noon, and will be available to sign copies of his book before and after his talk. More information about the event is available on the museum's website.

Then from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., Gangloff will speak about his book and sign copies at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). The event takes place in room 307 of the UAA/APU Consortium Library. Learn more about the lecture and signing on the UAA Bookstore's website.