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Dinotopia Guide
Return to James Gurney's Dinotopia A Travelers Guide Characters Locales Dinotopia Map Dinotopia Dinosaurs Dinotopian Games Sample Pages About James Gurney James Gurney's Art James Gurney Video Endorsements James Gurney's Blog
New Dinosaur Discoveries Featured in Dinotopia: Journey to Chandara
The discovery of new information regarding dinosaurs has continued to fascinate and intrigue since the publication of the first Dinotopia books. Knowledge about our prehistoric predecessors has been greatly enhanced, as new theories continue to evolve.
All of the dinosaurs and ancient mammals shown in the book are factual.
The visual reconstruction of the dinosaurs is based on fossil evidence, current theory, and consultation with paleontologists, many of whom are devoted to Dinotopia.
A number of the dinosaurs featured in Journey to Chandara, particularly in the second half of the story, are based on discoveries in the famous Liaoning Province of China during the years since 1997 (after the publication of the first Dinotopia books).
Dinotopia also portrays the notorious meat-eaters in a new light, supported by modern science.
Microraptor
Since its discovery in Liaoning, China, in 2000, the famous four-winged dinosaur has stirred up considerable controversy among scientists. The fossil clearly shows wings on its arms and legs, but experts disagree whether the creature used them merely for gliding or for powered, flapping flight.
Einiosaurus
With a forward-curving nose horn like a can opener, this ceratopsian from Montana was named in 1995 by Scott Sampson. Two years later it debuted as a postage stamp subject in The World of Dinosaurs issue, designed by James Gurney for the U.S. Postal Service. Fossils found together suggest that Einiosaurus traveled in large herds.
Caudipteryx
Also from China and named in 1998, this small meat-eating dinosaur had feathers covering the length of its body, from its long tail to its arms. But it was not a bird, and its arms were inadequate for flight. Some scientists speculate that feathers served to help them keep warm and to display to rivals and mates.
Megaloceros
The gigantic deer commonly known as the Irish Elk was found in a bog near Dublin. The outward appearance of flesh and fur was a matter of speculation until recently, when scientists realized that early humans drew vivid portraits of the same creatures on cave walls. These cave paintings reveal a definite brown hump above the shoulder. Gurney used both the fossils and the cave paintings as a guide in this restoration.
Therizinosaurus
This bizarre-looking dinosaur had a short tail and a long arching neck. It would have presented an intimidating appearance if it reared up on its hind legs to display its two-and-a-half-foot-long claws, some of the longest in the animal kingdom. Most likely, though, it used its claws to pull vegetation into reach. Since its close relative Beipiasaurus was known to have protofeathers, Gurney chose to portray it like a 2,000-pound chicken—a feisty watchdog, but a music lover at heart.
Allosaur Parenting
Allosaurus was named 130 years ago, and many fine specimens of its skeleton have been studied. Yet its coloration and behavior remain largely a mystery. James Gurney originally prepared this illustration for a 2003 article called "Dinosaur Family Values" in the science magazine Discover. Gurney and his consultants speculated that a coloration like a modern tiger would offer good camouflage in a forested habitat. Evidence is growing to suggest that many meat-eating dinosaurs built nests and actively took care of their young.
Contact: Kathy Hilliard, Publicity Director, (800) 851-8923, ext. 7497, khilliard@amuniversal.com
Dinotopia: Journey to Chandara
Written and illustrated by: James Gurney
ISBN-13: 978-0-7407-6431-8
ISBN-10: 0-7407-6431-4
Format: Hardcover: 10 1/2 x 9 3/4, 160 pages
Price: $29.95 ($37.50 Canada)
