Seismosaurus [Paperback]

David Gillette (Author), Mark Hallett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 15, 1999 | ISBN-10: 0231078757 | ISBN-13: 978-0231078757 0

This scientific detective story is the first book which explains clearly the science used by paleontologists, and the new, cutting-edge techniques that led to the discovery of Seismosaurus, the longest dinosaur yet known----and possibly the largest land animal to have ever lived. Gillette's first-person account of the project answers the most frequently asked questions about Seismosaurus: How was it discovered? How do we know it is a new species? How did it die? Part catalogue of the workings of paleontological science in the 1990s, the book also illustrates the exciting collaboration between Gillette, the chemists and physicists who helped to reconstruct Seismosaurus.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The success of John R. Horner and James Gorman's Digging Dinosaurs (Workman, 1988) proved that there is much interest in personal accounts of the discovery and study of dinosaurs. This book, by a lesser-known dinosaur hunter, is in the same genre, relating the discovery and study of Seismosaurus, a colossal creature related to the better-known Brontosaurus. Gillette's account, involving descriptions of high-tech methods used in the excavation and analysis of Seismosaurus, is somewhat more technical than Digging Dinosaurs. Nevertheless, it should appeal to a similar audience. Although larger in format and steeper in price than need be, it is highly recommended for medium and large public libraries.
Joseph Hannibal, Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Seismosaurus (Sam, for short) is a new dinosaur discovered by hikers in New Mexico and excavated by the author, who is the state paleontologist for Utah. Gillette's step-by-step story of the discovery of the first bones of the Seismosaurus details how it was named, unearthed, funded, and shared with the scientific community. He discusses how Sam fits in among the better-known Jurassic specimens as well as the potential uses for some exciting new field sensing techniques--developed at Gillette's urging by scientists at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Denise Perry Donavin --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 205 pages
• Publisher: Columbia University Press (February 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0231078757
• ISBN-13: 978-0231078757
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,055,127 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #40 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Paleontology > Vertebrate

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Seismosaurus, December 19, 2000

By 

dThorne (oregon, usa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Seismosaurus (Paperback)

An excellent book, but the material is a little outdated, considering seismosaurus is no longer considered the longest dinosaur. All in all very well written and compiled, with beautiful paintings by Mark Hallett, dinosaur artist extrodinaire. Well done.