Re: Scientific American book

["Demetrios M. Vital" <vita0015@tc.umn.edu>]

I was in Barnes & Noble last Sunday and of course checked out the science
section, but I didn't expect to see the Scientific American Book of
Dinosaurs there.  Immediately my knees went weak with adrenaline, I got
tunnel vision, and may have started drooling, I can't quite remember.  But I
do know that I bought it right away.

I haven't finished it yet, but I immediately looked at the art, and read the
two essays concerning T. rex.  They are up to date and very interesting.

I was pleased by all the new art in the book, it helped make it worthwhile
for me.  But the biggest disappointment came from the artistic side of the
book.  The appendix of Mr. Paul's skeletal pictures was about eight pages
long, with over 130 skeletal illustrations.  This means that the skeletons
on average were two centimeters long.  As an aspiring artist who has no
access to actual finds, I rely on these types of skeletal drawings to make
valid art.  I was very disappointed at the effort put into this appendix the
publisher.  I also remember having seen many more illustrations done by Mr.
Paul that were left out.  As if a few more pages at least couldn't be added
to the appendix for the...immpressively...priced book.  And as a college
student, the price sure does matter.

Well, regardless, I will have many, many years of enjoyment from this book,
and with a magnifying glass, many years of art, as well.  Just to make it
clear, despite my disappointment, this is a worthwhile book.

That's my two cents...

Peace out, Demetrios Vital