Re: Books for a paleoartist: suggestions?

[Dino Guy and Computer Gal <gbabcock@best.com>]

Books with a number of dinosaur skeletal reconstructions would include:

_The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs_ by David Norman,
_The Dinosaur Society Dinosaur Encyclopedia_ by Don (sorry, Brian) Lessem and
Donald F. Glut,
_Predatory Dinosaurs of the World_ by Gregory S. Paul_,
_Dinosaurs Past and Present_, volumes 1 and 2
_Scientific American Book of Dinosaurs_ edited by Gregory S. Paul (tiny but
useful skeletons in the back)
_The Complete Illustrated Guide to Dinosaur Skeletons_ by Gregory S. Paul

Some of these are definitely out of print, but they are all pictorially explicit
and the texts are reasonably accessible.  Some of the information in these books
is out of date.  This is what happens in the dynamic science of paleontology.
The reason I have not included the Glut _Dinosaurs: the Encyclopedia_ series is
that the text is not easy going and the illustrations most often depict only the
fragments of fossil bone that have actually been found, rather than the (more
speculative) complete skeletons that artists generally prefer.  On the other
hand, they have information that would help you catch up with new discoveries, 
if
you aren't keeping up with current events.  There is also the issue of cost.  
The
Glut encyclopedia and two supplements are excellent technical books, but they 
may
not be what you need most at present.

The _Dinosaurs Past and Present_ books and Paul's books in particular also
feature articles specifically addressing the process of depicting the life
appearance of dinosaurs.  I also strongly recommend Tracy Ford's two books on
drawing dinosaurs, featuring his articles from _Prehistoric Times_ magazine
(which you also need: see <www.prehistorictimes.com>).

_How To Draw Dinosaurs, Volume 1_ by Tracy Lee Ford
_How To Draw Dinosaurs, Volume 2_ by Tracy Lee Ford

Get these two at <www.dinohunter.info>, Tracy Ford's web site.  These books have
just the sort of information you can use.

That should get you started.

----------
Ralph W. Miller III   ralph.miller@alumni.usc.edu