Ever since giant fossils were first discovered dinosaurs have captured the public imagination. In a new extended and extensively updated edition, this book brings together important fossil finds from the world's richest sites. A comprehensive introduction explains the evolution of the dinosaurs, their adaptation, specialization, habitats and locations. The main section is an encyclopedia of 1000 dinosaurs and prehistoric animals, profiling all the well known and latest fossil discoveries from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous eras, through the Paleogene and Neogene, culminating in the current Quarternary Period. The species described include fish, mammals, reptiles, pterosaurs, plesiosaurs, icthyosaurs, amphibians, crocodiles, turtles and birds. Entries give size and shape, muscle and bone structure, plus explanations of how the animal moved, hunted and defended itself. Each main entry has a highly detailed illustration, and a map showing the sites where fossils have been found.

Dougal Dixon is a trustee of the Dinosaur Society, and an established writer and geologist specializing in earth sciences. Dougal has been presented with the Distinguished Achievement Award for Excellence in Educational Journalism by the Educational Press Association of America.