Everything Dinosaur team members have received the latest edition of “Prehistoric Times” magazine and issue 142 proves to be a jam-packed edition. Phil Hore provides details on the feathered, Chinese tyrant Yutyrannus as well as documenting the fearsome, prehistoric fish Xiphactinus and the front cover features one of a series of remarkable illustrations by the very talented Fabio Pastori.
The front cover of “Prehistoric Times” issue 142 (Summer 2022). The front cover artwork was supplied by Fabio Pastori, an exquisite illustration of Velociraptor mongoliensis entitled “Mongolian Swift Seizer”. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Fabio worked with the famous American palaeontologist Jack Horner, and both were generous enough to permit examples of their collaboration to be highlighted in issue 142, the artwork is simply stunning.
A stunning image of the bizarre theropod Citipati featured in issue 142 of “Prehistoric Times” magazine. Picture credit: Fabio Pastori.
Further artistic endeavours are highlighted, this time using a different medium as Paul McFarland demonstrates how to cast a figure of a European bison in bronze and of course, there are lots of examples of reader submitted artwork to admire too. We liked Wade Carmen’s very exotic looking Xiphactinus and the Yutyrannus themed diorama depicted by James Gurney. Naturally, Fabio Pastori couldn’t resist getting in on the action too. Take a look on page fifteen for his beautiful Yutyrannus and juvenile artwork.
Zdeněk Burian – The Early Years
John Lavas departs from cataloguing the artwork of influential Czech artist Zdeněk Burian and focuses on his early life and upbringing. The piece includes some fascinating photographs of Burian as a young man. Randy Knoll updates readers about what is new in the world of prehistoric animal model collecting and Tracy Lee Ford focuses on feathers in part four of his series on integumentary coverings.
The magazine’s editor Mike Fredericks casts his eyes over the latest book releases including “Dinosaurs: 10 Things You Should Know” by our chum and talented author Dean Lomax and the “Paleonews” section features an explanation as to why the fearsome T. rex had such small arms – an interesting new theory sent direct to the editor by palaeontologist Kevin Padian (University of Berkeley, California).
The summer issue of this quarterly magazine does not disappoint. It is highly recommended.
We got sent a copy of the amazing “Travels with Trilobites” by world-renowned expert on the Trilobita Andy Secher. What a fantastic book! Trilobites are regarded by many scientists as being one of the most successful animals to have ever existed and their fossils are absolutely fascinating as well as stunningly beautiful. We can’t wait to read and then review this superbly illustrated guide to all things Trilobita!
Very excited to receive a copy of “Travels with Trilobites” by Andy Secher (field associate in palaeontology at the American Museum of Natural History – New York).
Published by Columbia University Press
Published by Columbia University Press the book includes forewards by Mark Norell, Kirk Johnson and Niles Eldredge. There are over 25,000 described species of trilobites and although entirely marine (as far as we know), they evolved into a myriad of forms. Many of the beautiful, full-colour photographs in the book show fossils from the author’s own extensive collection.
The front cover of the beautifully illustrated “Travels with Trilobites” by Andy Secher published by Columbia University Press. It is an adventure in Palaeozoic marine fauna.
Andy Secher is a field associate in palaeontology at the prestigious American Museum of Natural History (New York). His own private collection comprises more than 4,000 trilobite specimens. The book provides the opportunity to explore one of the most enigmatic marine creatures of the Palaeozoic Era.
Team members at Everything Dinosaur are going to enjoy reading and then reviewing this wonderful book.
To purchase “Travels with Trilobites” by Andy Secher, visit the Columbia University Press website and search for Andy Secher: Visit Columbia University Website.
Over the last few weeks, team members at Everything Dinosaur have been enjoying “Palaeontology an Illustrated History” by Dr David Bainbridge. A beautifully illustrated book that examines the art and science of palaeontology from its earliest origins to the modern discipline it is today.
This skilfully crafted publication provides an insight not only into the way that the study of fossils and past life has changed, but looks in detail at how famous fossil discoveries have been interpreted and depicted. The work and illustrations of Mary Anning feature, along with reflections on the influence of such luminaries as Georges Cuvier, Charles Darwin, Jenny Clack and Roy Chapman Andrews.
The front cover of “Paleontology an Illustrated History” features a lithograph of an ichthyosaur (Temnodontosaurus platyodon) and (below) an illustration of “A Paris Fossil” by Cuvier.
Splendid Sketches, Engravings and Computer-generated Images
Divided into four main chapters, the author takes the reader on a journey through the history of palaeontology and the artwork associated with key fossil discoveries and ground-breaking research. David Bainbridge brings to life the people and the stories behind some of the most significant developments in the Earth sciences. Illustrations of early sketches, engravings as well as state-of-the-art computer-generated images providing a perfect accompaniment demonstrating how our views of the ancient world and the animals contained therein have changed.
The book contains over a hundred, full-colour illustrations depicting how the art associated with the science of palaeontology has changed. This is an early illustration of a pterosaur. Picture credit: Edward Newman.
Palaeontology and the Artists that Illustrate Scientific Discoveries
The author, a comparative anatomist at the University of Cambridge, explains how our perceptions regarding prehistoric animals have been changed by their depiction on the big screen, perhaps most famously in King Kong (1933) and Jurassic Park, which was premiered some sixty years later. He looks at how palaeoart has developed from the early influencers such as Charles Knight through the work of Neave Parker and how modern-day palaeoartists work with researchers to produce illustrations that accompany scientific papers.
The perfectly preserved holotype fossil of Changmiania liaoningensis with a life reconstruction. The book “Paleontology an Illustrated History” examines how ground-breaking fossil discoveries have been illustrated from the origins of palaeontology through to the modern day. Picture credit: Carine Ciselet/RBINS-IRSNB-KBIN.
A Comprehensive Account
“Paleontology an Illustrated History” is a most enjoyable and comprehensive account demonstrating how art and scientific enquiry combine to help inform, enlighten and educate.
Highly recommended.
Book details:
Published by Princeton University Press
ISBN: 9780691220925
256 pages
100+ colour illustrations
To purchase this excellent book, visit the Princeton University Press website and search for “David Bainbridge”, the Princeton University Press site is here: Princeton University Press.
Everything Dinosaur team members are looking forward to reading and then reviewing a new book by renowned author Professor David Bainbridge that charts the development of the science of palaeontology using classical and contemporary scientific illustrations.
The front cover of “Paleontology an Illustrated History” by David Bainbridge a comparative anatomist in the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Lavishly Illustrated
This lavishly illustrated volume, published by Princeton University Press: Princeton University Press examines how art and illustrators have informed both academia and the general public about fossil discoveries and scientific research. It is lavishly illustrated, the author providing a beautifully crafted examination of the art and science of palaeontology from the ancient Greek civilisation right up to the modern day with its techniques of three-dimensional modelling, computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy.
The Neave Parker Megalosaurus illustration (1960) on a postcard available from the London Natural History Museum in the 1960s and 1970s.
The book “Paleontology an Illustrated History” highlights the contribution to palaeoart made by figures such as the English artist Neave Parker. Neave Parker created iconic images of dinosaurs in collaboration with the scientists at the British Museum (now the London Natural History Museum). The book looks at the contribution made to scientific illustration by artists such as Burian, Zallinger and Charles Knight.
It also includes full colour plates of stunning fossil discoveries as well as biographies of the palaeontologists who have helped shape our view of ancient lifeforms and ecosystems.
Team members at Everything Dinosaur are looking forward to reading this exciting book and providing a more detailed review.
The latest issue of “Prehistoric Times” magazine has arrived at Everything Dinosaur’s offices and team members have been admiring all the reader submitted artwork, articles and features contained therein.
The front cover illustration has been provided by British palaeoartist John Sibbick, who must hold the record for the number of “Prehistoric Times” front covers produced by a single artist. The stunning illustration depicts typical Jehol Biota members Microraptor and Jeholornis and there are plenty of feathers on show which is appropriate as inside the magazine regular contributor Tracy Lee Ford provides part three of his excellent series on integumentary coverings.
The front cover artwork for the next edition of “Prehistoric Times” magazine. John Sibbick has depicted some of the feathered dinosaurs associated with the famous Jehol Biota. Picture credit: Mike Fredericks.
Bajadasaurus and the Fearsome Thalattoarchon
Phil Hore provides information on the bizarre sauropod Bajadasaurus and the ferocious Triassic ichthyosaur Thalattoarchon and there are plenty of reader submitted examples of artwork to admire too. Palaeontologist Gregory S. Paul co-authored a scientific paper published recently that proposes that there were three species of Tyrannosaurus in the Late Cretaceous of North America. The magazine includes an in-depth explanation of the paper’s conclusions and reviews the evidence.
Randy Knol updates collectors with the latest model news and editor Mike Fredericks reviews the latest book releases and there is a comprehensive section providing details of recent fossil discoveries and research.
Burian and the Marginocephalians
John R. Lavas continues his long-running series highlighting the astonishing artwork of the Czech artist Zdeněk Burian. Issue 141 of “Prehistoric Times” sees him focusing on the Burian’s interpretation of ceratopsids and their close relatives.
An illustration of Chasmosaurus by Zdeněk Burian.
Jon Noad tells the story of one of Calgary Zoo’s oldest residents Dinny the dinosaur and Sean Kotz explains how to create a model of a Pachyrhinosaurus. Brian Novak provides part two of his series on prehistoric coins, not currency from the Cretaceous, but an illustrated guide to the types of coins and currency with a prehistoric animal theme.
Mike Fredericks, the editor of the wonderful “Prehistoric Times” magazine has sent Everything Dinosaur a picture of the front cover artwork for the next edition (spring 2022). The illustration, depicting some of the feathered members of the Dinosauria associated with northern China in the Early Cretaceous was created by renowned British palaeoartist John Sibbick.
The front cover artwork for the next edition of “Prehistoric Times” magazine. John Sibbick has depicted some of the feathered dinosaurs associated with the famous Jehol Biota. Picture credit: Mike Fredericks.
“Prehistoric Times” Issue 141
The magazine is sent out 4 times a year and John Sibbick has produced several front cover artworks for “Prehistoric Times”. His latest contribution highlights the diversity of the feathered dinosaurs associated with the Yixian and Jiufotang Formations of north-eastern China that existed between approximately 130-120 million years ago (Hauterivian through to the early Aptian faunal stage of the Cretaceous).
Tracy Lee Ford continues the feathery theme by providing another section of his highly informative series on how to draw integumentary coverings.
The spring 2022 issue will also feature the bizarre sauropod Bajadasaurus that was named and described in 2019 and the massive Triassic ichthyosaur from the western United States – Thalattoarchon.
With the recently produced scientific paper published in “Evolutionary Biology” postulating that Tyrannosaurus rex fossils actually represent three species of closely related tyrannosaur: Are there three tyrannosaurus species? One of the co-authors, American palaeontologist Gregoy S. Paul provides a summary of the paper’s findings.
Jam-packed with fascinating articles and features, plus of course, lots of reader submitted artwork, team members at Everything Dinosaur are really looking forward to the arrival of the next edition of “Prehistoric Times”.
There is still time to enter Everything Dinosaur’s competition to win a copy of the fantastic “Explorers of Deep Time” by the eminent American palaeontologist Roy Plotnick. This new book explains what it’s really like to be a palaeontologist. Roy takes readers behind the scenes to reveal the ups and downs, the trials and triumphs of pursuing a career in the Earth sciences. If you have ever thought about studying fossils for a living, then this book is for you!
Win a copy of “Explorers of Deep Time” in Everything Dinosaur’s free to enter Facebook competition.
There is still a week to go before the competition closes (midnight BST 31st March 2022).
Please note this competition is now closed!
“Explorers of Deep Time” Book Competition
All you have to do to enter the competition to win a free copy is visit Everything Dinosaur on Facebook “Like” our page, then leave a comment on the competition post naming the dinosaur whose skull fossil features on the front cover.
To Enter the Competition
To enter Everything Dinosaur’s competition to win a free copy of “Explorers of Deep Time”, all you have to do is:
“Like” our competition post and enter the competition.
Name the dinosaur whose skull is shown on the front cover of the book (a clue – it is the skull of an iconic horned dinosaur).
The front cover of “Explorers of Deep Time” by eminent American palaeontologist Roy Plotnick. You can win a copy of this fabulous book in Everything Dinosaur’s free to enter competition. Picture credit: Columbia University Press.
Not on Facebook? Not a Problem You can Still Enter the Competition
If you are not on Facebook, just leave a comment on this blog post to enter. Tell us the name of the horned dinosaur whose skull is shown on the bottom of the front cover of “Explorers of Deep Time” in the comments section of this blog post and we will automatically enter you into our free prize draw to win a copy.
Terms and Conditions of the “Explorers of Deep Time” Book Competition
Automated entries are not permitted and will be excluded from the draw.
Only one entry per person.
The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative will be offered.
The Everything Dinosaur “Explorers of Deep Time” competition runs until midnight (BST) Thursday 31st of March 2022.
Winner will be notified by private message on Facebook or via the Everything Dinosaur Blog.
Everything Dinosaur has another fantastic, prehistoric animal themed giveaway. We have a copy of the new book “Explorers of Deep Time” by the eminent palaeontologist Roy Plotnick of the University of Illinois, Chicago and we are giving you the chance to win it.
The front cover of “Explorers of Deep Time” by eminent American palaeontologist Roy Plotnick. Win a copy of this fabulous book that provides a behind the scenes look at the life and work of a palaeontologist. Picture credit: Columbia University Press.
“Explorers of Deep Time” Competition
In this beautifully crafted book, author Roy Plotnick provides a rare and very personal look at the trials and tribulations of working in the Earth sciences. If you have ever wondered about what it is like to be a palaeontologist, then this book is for you. Roy does not write about fossils, this book is dedicated to the scientists that study them.
All you have to do to enter the competition to win a free copy is visit Everything Dinosaur on Facebook “Like” our page, then leave a comment on the competition post naming the dinosaur whose skull fossil features on the front cover.
Win a copy of “Explorers of Deep Time” in Everything Dinosaur’s free to enter Facebook competition.
Please note the competition is now closed!
To Enter the Competition
To enter Everything Dinosaur’s competition to win a free copy of “Explorers of Deep Time”, all you have to do is:
“Like” our competition post and enter the competition.
Name the dinosaur whose skull is shown on the front cover of the book (hint – it is the skull of a famous horned dinosaur).
Not on Facebook? Not a Problem You can Still Enter the Competition
Or, if you are not on Facebook, just leave a comment on this blog post to enter. Tell us the name of the horned dinosaur whose skull is shown on the bottom of the front cover of “Explorers of Deep Time” in the comments section of this blog post and we will automatically enter you into our free prize draw to win a copy of the book.
Terms and Conditions of the “Explorers of Deep Time” Book Competition
Automated entries are not permitted and will be excluded from the draw.
Only one entry per person.
The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative will be offered.
The Everything Dinosaur “Explorers of Deep Time” runs until midnight (BST) Thursday 31st March 2022.
Winner will be notified by private message on Facebook or the Everything Dinosaur Blog.
Team members at Everything Dinosaur have been busy making preparations for a free to enter Facebook competition to win a copy of the brilliant “Explorers of Deep Time” by the eminent American palaeontologist Roy Plotnick.
The competition will be up on the company’s Facebook site in the very near future (March 2022).
The front cover of “Explorers of Deep Time” by eminent American palaeontologist Roy Plotnick. The book provides a behind the scenes look at what it is actually like to work as a palaeontologist. Picture credit: Columbia University Press.
A YouTube Video Linking the Facebook Competition
The plan is to produce a video outlining the details of the book competition on Everything Dinosaur’s YouTube channel. The video can provide a short review of “Explorers of Deep Time” and give details on how to enter the contest to win a copy of the book.
A still from Everything Dinosaur’s YouTube video reviewing “Explorers of Deep Time” and explaining the free to enter competition.
A script has been written for that part of the video that reviews “Explorers of Deep Time” by Roy Plotnick.
Here are the details:
Dedicated to Arnold and Mildred who we suspect were the author’s parents, the book is divided into four, carefully crafted general sections, each one exploring an element of what it is like to work in the Earth sciences.
For example, there is a chapter on working in the field, liberally sprinkled with contributions from an eclectic range of scientists and researchers at all stages of their careers who describe their own field work experiences. Roy’s enthusiasm for field work is skilfully reflected in his writing, after all, the chapter is entitled “Attending Marvels”.
Although there are black and white photos of fossils, this book is not about the fossils themselves but about the lives and careers of the people who collect them.
Chapter six entitled “Cool Toys” looks at the vast number of new research techniques and methodologies now used in palaeontology. Don’t expect numerous pictures, tables and diagrams, but interwoven into the narrative are lots of anecdotes from real scientists who discuss their experiences, their trials and triumphs as they pursue their careers.
Roy Plotnick concludes “Explorers of Deep Time” with a chapter headed “Last Thoughts”. In it he provides a S.W.O.T. analysis that looks at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with pursuing a career path in palaeontology. An excellent ready reckoner for anyone considering working in the Earth sciences.
The author provides a S.W.O.T. analysis which examines the advantages and disadvantages of a career in the Earth sciences. Picture credit: Roy Plotnick (University of Illinois).
Roy, who describes himself as an “Old, White Male” champions diversity and he ardently supports greater inclusiveness in science disciplines.
The book has been very well received amongst fellow academics, as demonstrated by the glowing reviews, some of which are featured on the back cover. Including one from the very talented Victoria Arbour, a world-renowned authority on armoured dinosaurs.
Explorers of Deep Time gets a big thumbs up from Everything Dinosaur.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a palaeontologist? Have you ever thought about pursuing a career in the Earth Sciences? Not sure where to begin? A new book written by an eminent American palaeontologist entitled “Explorers of Deep Time” is a great place to start.
Author Roy Plotnick (University of Illinois, Chicago), provides a behind the scenes guide to being a palaeontologist, the trials, triumphs and tribulations and as a self-confessed OWM (old, white male), he champions inclusiveness and diversity amongst the scientific community.
The front cover of “Explorers of Deep Time” by eminent American palaeontologist Roy Plotnick. Picture credit: Columbia University Press.
Candid and Comprehensive
Roy has spent decades working as a palaeontologist. He is a Fellow of the Geological Society of America (GSA) and a Fellow of the Paleontological Society of America too. As such, he is exceedingly well-qualified to comment on how the study of ancient life has been revolutionised with the development of new research techniques.
The book is divided into four main chapters looking at various aspects of exploring deep, geological time. Starting with an overview in which the author addresses common misconceptions about palaeontologists, for instance, he is not Ross from “Friends” or Indiana Jones. Roy Plotnick guides the reader through the various and diverse routes to a job in the Earth sciences and explains what it is actually like to study palaeontology. If you have ever wondered about toilet facilities at dig sites, or how the increasing number of female scientists’ juggle starting a family with work commitments – then this book provides a practical and uncomplicated explanation.
Although the book has been written with an emphasis on the American education system and American academia, it outlines how palaeontology has developed and changed over the last forty years or so, explores new study techniques and places the science clearly in the context of helping to better understand how our world is changing today.
The author of “Explorers of Deep Time” Roy Plotnick (member of the Geological Society of America and the Paleontological Society of America). Picture credit: Columbia University Press.
An “Old White Male” Encourages Diversity
One of the key themes of “Explorers of Deep Time”, is the author’s wish that more women and ethnic minorities are represented in Earth science disciplines. Roy Plotnick examines some of the barriers that existed in his early career leading to a preponderance of “old, white males” within palaeontology. Many of these obstacles restricting participation have been removed, but the author skilfully argues for greater participation and draws on the experience of other scientists to help support his views.
He introduces readers to the diverse group of people of all genders, races, and international backgrounds who make up the twenty-first-century palaeontology community. The book provides a sounding board for their views and a platform for their perspectives, helping readers to obtain a better understanding of career paths and opportunities.
There is even a chapter dedicated to outlining the importance of published research and the struggles scientists can face getting their work into print, or more often than not these days, on-line.
This behind the scenes guide to palaeontology, is not crammed with stunning photographs and illustrations, but it does outline the varied challenges facing this discipline and provides a rare insight on the profession to aspiring scientists of all ages.
Candid and at times frank, this is an excellent guide to the pros and cons of choosing palaeontology as a career.
The author describing himself as an OWM (old, white male) writes about the need to encourage greater diversity in the Earth Sciences with increased access and appropriate support for women, minorities, the disabled and other groups that may feel excluded. Picture credit: Roy Plotnick (University of Illinois).
Palaeontology SWOT Analysis
Not sure if a job in the Earth sciences is for you? Roy Plotnick concludes by providing a SWOT analysis. He outlines the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with working in the palaeontology profession. This analysis acts as a fitting summary to “Explorers of Deep Time”.
Published by Columbia University Press the hardcover book is priced at the time of writing at £28.00 GBP/$35.00 USD with the downloadable E-book priced at £28.00 GBP/$34.99 USD.
To purchase the book visit: Columbia University Press and search on the author surname “Plotnick” to find the web page for “Explorers of Deep Time”.
