Digging Dinosaurs: The Search That Unraveled the Mystery of Baby Dinosaurs

by James Gorman, Jack Horner, John R. Horner

Book Overview

Recounts the author's search for evidence of baby dinosaurs in the badlands of Montana and his discovery of dinosaur nests and of two new species.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0894802208
• ISBN13: 9780894802201
• Release Date: January 1988
• Publisher: Workman Publishing
• Length: 210 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A great mystery book accessible for all ages

I read this book as I was going through something of a mid-life crisis. I originally bought the book as a child but never read it. However, I have always pondered whether I made the right choice in not going into paleontology. Unfortunately for me, this book made paleontology so exciting I think I did make the wrong choice! One of the best things about this book is that it is appropriate for dinosaur lovers of all ages. Horner and Gorman write clearly and simply enough that young adults would find the book understandable. However, the book and the discoveries described wherein are fascinating for adult readers as well. Horner frames the book as a mystery CSI-style investigation, explaining his thought process as he deduces the true significance behind his find. Even 20 years later, the book is fresh, not because of the state of the science (which may be outdated) but rather because of its description of the intellectual and practical aspects of paleontology. Unlike a lot of other books in this genre, Horner does not focus undue attention on his own life (even though it is fascinating - he had dyslexia and became a paleontologist without a PhD). Rather, he keeps his focus where it belongs - on the dinosaur fossils and his analysis of their significance. Is it too late to change careers?

Digging Dinosaurs

I enjoyed Digging Dinosuars. John Horner's enthusiasm for the subject is easily apparent. The book is not overly technical, (although a basic understanding of geology/paleontology helps in fully understanding Horner's theories.) and has a very casual tone. The theories presented are full of clever and logical interpretations of the fossils found. While Horner also gives descriptions of things beyond factual support, he identifies which is imagination, and what is supported. The biggest flaw is the book's orginization. Horner seemed to be attempting to explain everything at once, changing topics for every paragraph. But beyond that, I enjoyed Digging Dinosaurs.

Digging Dinosaurs

Digging Dinosaurs written by John R. Horner et.al. is a book that covers the search that unraveled the mystery of baby dinosaurs. Honer has dedication, insight, and a sharp eye, but good luck is always nice to have when searching for the past in Western Montana on the Eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. At the time of writing this book Horner had spent six years digging at Egg Mountain and the surrounding area. His finds are rocking the knowledge base for nestings, babies and herd research.Whether you like to read about dinosaurs or are a dinosaur buff, reding this book gives you an appreciation for being a paleontologist. Also, you get to read about and see how they reexamine their venerable theeories.The remarkable discoveries found in this book are interesting and they are advancing new hypotheses about dinosaur behavior and ecology... also, how did dinosaurs interact between species is new ground covered within these pages. Clever detective work while uncovering the past bodes well for future knowledge obtained. Some of that knowledge coming from this large find of dinosaur remains is that duckbills probably moved like birds, with their heads bobbing forward and back. They did not look like the dinosaurs that have their tails dragging on the ground; the tails of most dinosaurs, not only duckbilld but also the sauropods,were held out straight behind them. The duckbills' tails were reinforced by rigid, ossified tendons that we can still see in many fossil skeletons.Bipedal dinosaurs were built the same way, when a duckbill walked it bobbed its neck to get a fluid gait. Duckbills lived in herds and one of their major defenses against predators was their running ability, herding instinct, and a solid kick with the hind legs.Reading this book was a delight as the narrative was engrossing and kept my interest. Horner has a easy-going style that will captivate the reader and the next thing you know you've reached the end and you what to know more about these denizens of the past. An interesting book that questions conventional interpretations, making for an enjoyable, educational read.

Dinosaur egg hunt

Digging Dinosaurs, by John Horner, is a firsthand account of the discovery of fossilized Dinosaur eggs that led to extensive discoveries of nesting sites in Montana. The book describes the geology of the area, the discovery of the nesting sites, their excavation, and the changes in paleontology that ensued. The book was made all the more fascinating by the fact that you can visit the actual site, called egg mountain. The Museum of the Rockies, in Choteau, Montana sponsors tours. On a recent trip to Montana, my wife and I took the tour and met John Horner, digging up more dinosaurs.

A glimpse into the real world of paleontology.

"Digging Dinosaurs" is far more than the continueing search for traces of these vanished beasts. It is a glimpse into the mind and lives of the people who have dedicated their lives to understanding this fascinating topic. Co-authored by Jack Horner, probably the most influential paleontologist alive today, the book reads at times more like a novel than a scholarly research. Fast paced, often humerous, this is a great read for anyone interested in our world's far ancient past.