Dinosaurs at the Dinner Party Transports Readers to World Changed by Fossil Finds

By Edward Dolnick

For generations raised on dinosaur toys, Jurassic Park films, and characters like Barney, it's hard to imagine a world where dinos and their ancient world were a complete mystery.

But that's exactly what author Edward Dolnick explores in his new book, "Dinosaurs at the Dinner Party." Dolnick takes readers on a journey through the history of paleontology, from the early days when fossils were thought to be the remains of giants or dragons, to the modern era of high-tech imaging and DNA analysis.

Along the way, he introduces us to the colorful characters who have shaped our understanding of dinosaurs, from the eccentric Mary Anning, who discovered the first complete ichthyosaur fossil, to the brilliant Othniel Marsh, who engaged in a bitter rivalry with Edward Cope over who could discover the most new dinosaur species.

"Dinosaurs at the Dinner Party" is a fascinating and informative read that will appeal to anyone interested in the history of science, paleontology, or dinosaurs.