The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: The Untold Story of a Lost World [Paperback] Steve Brusatte Paperback – 2018

I can't say enough good things about this book. It's thorough without being pedantic/dull and reads more like a novel than a "science book"; the man clearly knows how to write engagingly. It covers the period from the Permian extinction through the comet strike 66 million years ago and explores not only the "well-known" animals, but the proto-dinosaurs from which "real" dinosaurs evolved. Other species living at the same time--other archosaurs such as extinct crocodilian relatives and pterosaurs--are also examined, which helps put dinosaurs in context. There are numerous black and white illustrations, charts, maps, and photos to enhance the text. Superb.

This book is positively exhilarating. Brusatte (unlike many of his peers in the scientific community) is positively brilliant at making abstruse principles and techniques perfectly clear to "the intelligent layman." He explains everything, from the minute details of things like the development of feathers to sweeping changes like continental drift and climate change, with perfect clarity. I've been a dinosaur enthusiast since I was a kid, and this book left me thirsting to learn even more. I can't recommend it too highly.

I feel that this is the most complete history of dinosaurs. His amazing analysis and lucid descriptions make this a must read for anyone interested in the subject.

This book is very readable. My 10 year old son loved me reading this to him. Its informative, humorous at times and written in a style that makes it very accessible.