Dinosaurs & Paleontology: The Best Books for Learning & Exploration
Dinosaurs! Those wild amphibious mammals that roamed the Earth hundreds of years ago!
What’s that, you say? That sentence is completely wrong?
Well, that’s why we have expert paleontologists who are smart enough to dispute anything we just said. Sometimes these paleontologists — which is a fancy word science dinosaur nerds gave themselves so they would seem slightly less dorky — even write books about dinosaurs that are published! No joke. In fact, here are ten (10) awesome books you can read about paleontology and dinosaurs. If you are not able to read, many of these books even have pictures for your convenience!
1. Best Book About the Evolution and Extinction of Dinosaurs: The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of Their Lost World by Steve Brusatte
Published in 2019, The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of Their Lost World by Steve Brusatte is a captivating exploration of the ancient world of dinosaurs. Drawing on the latest scientific research and his own experiences as a paleontologist, Brusatte offers a comprehensive and engaging account of these fascinating creatures, from their rise to dominance during the Mesozoic era to their eventual extinction. Brusatte’s writing is accessible and insightful, making complex scientific concepts easy to understand for readers of all backgrounds. Whether you are a longtime dinosaur enthusiast or simply curious about the history of life on Earth, The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs is a must-read book that will leave you with a new appreciation for these incredible creatures and the world they inhabited. Scientific American called it the “ultimate dinosaur biography” and the Washington Post said it the book is “a masterpiece of science writing.”
Click to buy The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of Their Lost World by Steve Brusatte!
2. Best Book About the Legendary Paleontologist Who Found the T. rex: Barnum Brown: The Man Who Discovered Tyrannosaurus rex by Lowell Dingus and Mark Norell
Barnum Brown: The Man Who Discovered Tyrannosaurus rex by Lowell Dingus and Mark Norell (2010) is a compelling — if not the definitive — biography of one of the most important and influential paleontologists in history. Barnum Brown (1873-1963) was a true adventurer and explorer, who dedicated his life to uncovering the secrets of the prehistoric world. In this book, Dr. Dingus and Norell provide a vivid portrait of Brown, from his childhood in a tiny rural Kansas town to his groundbreaking discoveries of dinosaur fossils in the American West and beyond. Along the way, they offer fascinating insights into the history of paleontology, and the many challenges that Brown and his colleagues faced in their quest to uncover the mysteries of the ancient world. Whether you are a dinosaur enthusiast or simply interested in the history of science, Barnum Brown is a must-read book for dinosaur nerds that will leave you with a new appreciation for the wonders of the natural world. If you’re in New York City, you can find a lot of his findings at the American Museum of Natural History, where both Dingus and Norell work as paleontologists.
Click to buy Barnum Brown: The Man Who Discovered Tyrannosaurus rex by Dingus & Norell!
3. Best Book to Explore a Comprehensive Tour of Dinosaurs from A to Z: Dinosaurs―The Grand Tour, Second Edition: Everything Worth Knowing About Dinosaurs from Aardonyx to Zuniceratops by Keiron Pim and friends
Dinosaurs – The Grand Tour, Second Edition: Everything Worth Knowing About Dinosaurs from Aardonyx to Zuniceratops is a comprehensive and very entertaining guide to the prehistoric world of dinosaurs. Written by journalist Keiron Pim with jaw-droppingly gorgeous illustrations by noted dinosaur artist Fabio Pastori, this book takes readers on a journey through time, exploring the fascinating lives and behaviors of these incredible creatures. The book includes contributions from none other than Jack Horner, the inspiration for the Sam Neill character in Jurassic Park. The second edition features updated information and illustrations, as well as new chapters on recent dinosaur discoveries and advancements in paleontology. Pim’s engaging writing style, coupled with the stunning illustrations, make this book an excellent resource for dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages, from beginners to experts. Whether you’re a curious student or a lifelong dinosaur aficionado, Dinosaurs – The Grand Tour is a must-read book that will leave you with a new appreciation for these amazing animals and the world they lived in.
Click on the Zuniceratops to buy Dinosaurs―The Grand Tour!
4. Best Book to Learn About the Latest Advances in Dinosaur Science: Dinosaurs Rediscovered: The Scientific Revolution in Paleontology by Michael J. Benton
Dinosaurs Rediscovered: The Scientific Revolution in Paleontology (2020) by British paleontologist Michael J. Benton is a fascinating exploration of the latest scientific discoveries and theories surrounding dinosaurs. Drawing on his extensive experience as a paleontologist, Benton — who is so hardcore when it comes to dinosaurs that he was part of the first team to identify what colors dinosaur feathers were — provides an in-depth look at the history of dinosaur research and the many breakthroughs that have revolutionized our understanding of these amazing creatures. From the latest findings on the evolution and behavior of dinosaurs to the cutting-edge technology used to study fossils, Mikey Benton covers a wide range of topics in an engaging and accessible way. This book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the world of paleontology, and it is sure to leave readers with a newfound appreciation for the ongoing quest to uncover the secrets of the ancient past.
Click to buy Dinosaurs Rediscovered: The Scientific Revolution in Paleontology by Michael J. Benton!
5. Best Book to Discover the Clues Dinosaurs Left Behind Through Trace Fossils: Dinosaurs Without Bones by Anthony J. Martin
Dinosaurs Without Bones (2015) by noted dinosaur dude Anthony J. Martin is a captivating exploration of the world of dinosaurs through the lens of ichnology, the study of trace fossils. Martin, a renowned paleontologist and geologist, takes readers on a journey through time and space, from the deserts of Arizona to the frozen tundra of Antarctica, to uncover the fascinating clues left behind by these incredible creatures. Through vivid descriptions and stunning illustrations, Tony — who is the Professor of Pedagogy in the Department of Environmental Sciences at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia — brings to life the tracks, burrows, and other traces left behind by dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of paleontology, and it offers a unique perspective on the lives and behaviors of these amazing creatures that is not available from traditional fossil studies alone. Whether you are a dinosaur enthusiast or simply interested in the natural world, Dinosaurs Without Bones is a book that is sure to inspire and captivate.
Click to purchase Dinosaurs Without Bones by Anthony J. Martin!
6. Best Book to Understand How Dinosaurs Lived and Evolved Over Millions of Years: Dinosaurs: How They Lived and Evolved by Darren Naish and Paul Barrett
Dinosaurs: How They Lived and Evolved by Darren Naish and Paul Barrett is an authoritative and comprehensive guide to the prehistoric world of dinosaurs. Naish and Barrett, both renowned experts in the field of paleontology, take readers on a journey through time, exploring the evolution, anatomy, behavior, and extinction of these fascinating creatures. Through stunning illustrations and photographs, as well as clear and engaging writing, the authors bring the world of dinosaurs to life, revealing their diversity and complexity in ways that are both informative and entertaining. This book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in dinosaurs, from curious students to lifelong enthusiasts, and it is sure to leave readers with a new appreciation for these amazing animals and the incredible world they inhabited.
Click to buy Dinosaurs: How They Lived and Evolved by Darren Naish and Paul Barrett!
7. Best Field Guide to the Dinosaurs of the Mesozoic Era: The Princeton Field Guide to Dinosaurs by Gregory S. Paul
The Princeton Field Guide to Dinosaurs: Second Edition by Gregory S. Paul is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in the prehistoric world of dinosaurs. Featuring stunning illustrations and photographs, as well as clear and concise descriptions of over 750 dinosaur species, this comprehensive guide covers everything from the earliest Triassic dinosaurs to the massive creatures that roamed the earth during the late Cretaceous. Paul, a renowned paleontologist and dinosaur specialist with the Discovery Channel, offers detailed insights into the anatomy, behavior, and evolution of these fascinating creatures, making this book a must-read for both experts and amateurs alike. Whether you are a serious student of paleontology or simply curious about the world of dinosaurs, The Princeton Field Guide to Dinosaurs is an essential reference that is sure to inform and inspire.
Click to buy The Princeton Field Guide to Dinosaurs by Gregory S. Paul!
8. Best Book to Explore the Thrilling World of Dinosaur Fossil Hunting and Controversies: The Dinosaur Artist: Obsession, Betrayal, and the Quest for Earth’s Ultimate Trophy by Paige Williams
The Dinosaur Artist: Obsession, Betrayal, and the Quest for Earth’s Ultimate Trophy (2018) by Paige Williams is a captivating and thought-provoking book that explores the world of fossil trading and the lengths that some individuals will go to acquire these precious treasures. Williams tells the story of Eric Prokopi, a self-taught fossil hunter who made a name for himself in the competitive world of dinosaur collecting, and his involvement in a high-stakes international smuggling operation. Through interviews with Prokopi and others involved in the case, as well as extensive research into the world of paleontology and fossil trading, Williams offers a fascinating and often disturbing look at the intersection of science, commerce, and greed. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of paleontology and the ethical questions surrounding the collection and sale of fossils, and it is sure to leave readers with a newfound appreciation for the importance of preserving these precious relics of the past.
Click to purchase The Dinosaur Artist by Paige Williams!
9. Best Book to Challenge Conventional Dinosaur Theories with Revolutionary Ideas: The Dinosaur Heresies by Robert T. Bakker
A classic of the dinosaur book genre. The Dinosaur Heresies (2001) by Robert T. Bakker is a groundbreaking work that revolutionized our understanding of dinosaurs and their place in the evolutionary history of life on earth. Bakker, a renowned paleontologist and one of the leading experts on dinosaurs, challenges many of the long-held assumptions about these fascinating creatures, offering a fresh perspective on their anatomy, behavior, and evolution. Through clear and engaging writing, as well as vivid illustrations and photographs, Bakker provides readers with a unique insight into the world of dinosaurs, revealing the complexity and diversity of these ancient animals in ways that were previously unimagined. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in paleontology, and it remains a landmark work in the field that has inspired generations of scientists and enthusiasts alike.
Click on the book cover to buy The Dinosaur Heresies by Robert T. Bakker!
10. Best Illustrated Encyclopedia for Learning About Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Creatures: The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs & Prehistoric Creatures by Dougal Dixon
The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs & Prehistoric Creatures by Dougal Dixon is a comprehensive guide to the prehistoric world, featuring detailed information and stunning illustrations of over 600 species of dinosaurs and other ancient creatures. Dixon, a renowned expert in the field of paleontology and the “father of speculative zoology”, offers readers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution and diversity of life on earth, from the earliest single-celled organisms to the massive mammals that roamed the earth during the Ice Age. Through clear and concise writing, as well as beautiful illustrations and photographs, Dixon brings to life the incredible creatures that once inhabited our planet, revealing their anatomy, behavior, and place in the ecological web of life. This book is an excellent resource for students, educators, and enthusiasts alike, and it is sure to inspire a lifelong fascination with the amazing world of prehistory.
Click to buy The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs & Prehistoric Creatures by Dougal Dixon!
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People who are only so smart may have trouble with some of the bigger words in these books and for those folks, we recommend our dictionary-buying guide. Curious about what other reference books you should buy and possess? Check out our Ultimate Guide to 9 Reference Books You Must Own!
Cover Image Credit: image via Wikimedia Commons
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