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Hi, All,
Last week I
obtained DINOSAURS OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND (John A. Long, Curator of
Vertebrate Paleontology at the Western Australian Museum in Perth), and,
while hoping not to start any arguments, want to suggest that others take
a serious look at this beautifully printed volume from Harvard University Press,
Cambridge, Massachusetts, September, 1998. ($39.95 at Border's Books)
True, the book
contains a lot of non-dinosaurian fossils simply because Australia -- at least
to-date -- had not proven abundant in dino remains, but, after all, one best
understands dinosaurs in a broader context.
The photos of fossils
(except for the old ones of historic interest) are sparklingly clear. Book
design is marvelous. And while at first glance one may mistake it as
primarily a picture book (because of the abundant illustrations), that
impression proves very wrong, upon close examination. Yes, this is a book
that will be appreciated by serious dinosaur devotees of all kinds, including, I
suspect many professionals.
In fact, there is an
admirable synthesis of quality information, technical data, and realistic
presentation that will appeal to many of varied background.
The selection of
color photos showing opalized dinosaur bones (page 123) is something a bit
different, and appropriate to Australia.
Personally, my
favorite thing about the book is the number and quality of dinosaur track photos
(beginning with the frontispiece) and their discussion, including that rare
possibly-stegosaurian manus track on page 130, and the lovely, big
ornithopod print on the facing page. Don't miss that 5th -- or is it
the first? -- 'finger' imprint (still partially in-filled) on the right side of
the 'Stego' manus print!
It is my personal
opinion that John A. Long has done dinophiles a real favor. Many of us
non-Aussies may know of Long via his book, The Rise of Fishes: 500 Million Years
of Evolution.
But, don't take my
word about the book, examine it for yourself. It's hopefully at most
better book stores by now.
Ray
Stanford
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