An enrapturing tale of the age of the dinosaurs, tracing their earliest origins, their astounding two-hundred-million-year reign and their infamous demise
Dinosaurs. No other class of animals captures the hearts of both children and adults alike. Palaeontologist Armin Schmitt brings us a firsthand account of the latest research on dinosaurs and their lives millions of years ago, including his spectacular global excavations and fascinating discoveries in the field. With the help of cutting-edge technology and unbelievable new finds, the age-old tale of the dinosaurs is revitalized, complete with astonishing illustrations by Ben Rennen that help us imagine dinosaurs like never before.
Though we're all familiar with popular dinosaurs such as the renowned Tyrannosaurus rex – every dino fan's favourite – Schmitt answers the questions we've all been asking, such as:
- What is excavating at a dig site like?
- Why did birds survive the Great Dying, unlike the rest of the dinosaurs?
- How has the field of palaeontology changed since the Bone Wars?
- Does climate change and its effects on the dinosaurs' survival compare to our current climate crisis today?
The Lost World of the Dinosaurs is an all-encompassing exploration travelling back in time into the world of the primaeval giants, perfect for anyone interested in the largest land creatures that ever inhabited Earth.
"An insightful and informative meander through the evolution of dinosaurs and other extinct species, with a touch of personal flair. Armin Schmitt has a passion for dinosaurs, which you can feel in his writing."
– Steve Brusatte, professor and palaeontologist at the University of Edinburgh and New York Times bestselling author of The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs
"Through personal stories from fieldwork in the far corners of the world to the latest discoveries in research laboratories, Armin Schmitt traces the history of the dinosaurs, their evolution, and their environment. In The Lost World of the Dinosaurs you'll encounter issues as diverse as the bizarre marine reptiles of the deserts of Nevada, the ethical questions of the scientific study of Myanmar amber, and why Tyrannosaurus rex deserves its reputation as the most beloved dinosaur. Schmitt's book will delight those new to paleontology, and even dinosaur devotees will learn something new."
– Thomas R. Holtz, Jr., Principal Lecturer in Vertebrate Paleontology, University of Maryland
"An enthusiastic survey of the ancient world. Schmitt's tale blends memoir, science history, and new discoveries into an exuberant celebration of Mesozoic life."
– Riley Black, author of When the Earth Was Green and The Last Days of the Dinosaurs
"[A]n absolutely spellbinding journey back into the deep past [...] Not only is he a lively, entertaining writer, he is determined, apparently, to instill in us the same enthusiasm about dinosaurs he's had since he was a small boy – and succeeds. Rarely has a book about paleontology been this exciting [...] the illustrations by Ben Rennen are gorgeous, and bring these ancient creatures vividly to life."
– Booklist"
Starting at the tender age of 5, Armin Schmitt has been keen to learn all he could about dinosaurs. His book covers the latest research on these fascinating beasts and introduces both familiar and newly discovered dinosaurs. Written as an engaging, personal narrative, it should appeal to dinosaur fans of all ages."
– Hans Sues, author of The Rise of Reptiles