Over the seasons of Fossils and Fiction, we’ve had the pleasure of diving into some truly brilliant books that explore the fascinating intersections where palaeontology meets popular culture. From cutting-edge scientific discoveries to the ways dinosaurs have stomped through our collective imagination, these conversations have been nothing short of thrilling. Here’s a quick tour through the literary treasures we’ve uncovered!
King Tyrant: A Natural History of Tyrannosaurus rex (2025) by Mark Witton
Mark Witton’s latest masterpiece is everything you’d want from a book about the most famous predator that ever lived. This isn’t just another “T. rex was big and scary” rehash – Witton brings his signature blend of rigourous science, accessible storytellingm and masterful illustrations to paint a complete portrait of this incredible animal.
[Listen to Episode Part 1] [Listen to Episode Part 2] | [Get the Book on Amazon]
The Jurassic Park Book: New Perspectives on the Classic 1990s Blockbuster (2024) edited by Matthew Melia
Thirty years after those iconic gates opened, this collection proves that Jurassic Park‘s cultural impact is still evolving. Melia has assembled a fantastic array of voices exploring everything from the film’s relationship with actual palaeontology to its influence on popular science communication. Whether you’re team “scientifically accurate feathers” or “cinematic spectacle,” this book offers fresh insights into why we’re still obsessed with Spielberg’s prehistoric walk in the park.
[Listen to Episode: Part 1] [Listen to Episode: Part 2] | [Get the Book on Amazon]
Dinotopia (1994) by James Gurney
Sometimes you encounter a book that completely rewrites your understanding of what’s possible in storytelling, and Gurney’s Dinotopia is exactly that kind of revelation. This isn’t just a children’s book with pretty pictures – it’s a masterclass in world-building that imagines a society where humans and dinosaurs coexist in harmony. The artwork is breathtaking, but it’s Gurney’s thoughtful exploration of cooperation, communication, and respect for nature that makes this truly special.
[Listen to Episode] | [Get the Book on Amazon]
Fossil Frenzy (2021) and Tracks in the Mist (2024) by Sandra Bennett
Sandra Bennett’s Adamson Adventures novels prove that palaeontology makes for cracking good fiction for younger readers. Fossil Frenzy introduced us to a world where fossil hunting becomes high-stakes adventure, whilst Tracks in the Mist continues the journey with even more prehistoric thrills. These books are packed with accurate details about fieldwork, discoveries, and the sometimes competitive world of professional palaeontology, all wrapped up in page-turning plots.
[Listen to Episode] | [Get the Books on Amazon: Fossil Frenzy; Tracks in the Mist]
Diprotodon: A Megafauna Journey (2023) by Bronwyn Saunders
Australia’s prehistoric megafauna often gets overshadowed by dinosaurs, but Saunders’ exploration of the massive Diprotodon – think wombat the size of a small car – is absolutely captivating. This book beautifully weaves together scientific discovery and environmental history to tell the story of Australia’s vanished giants for kids. It’s a reminder that the recent past holds just as many wonders as the distant Mesozoic.
[Listen to Episode] | [Get the Book on Amazon]
The Age of Mammals: Nature, Development and Palaeontology in the Long Nineteenth Century (2023) by Chris Manias
What happened after the dinosaurs? From early discoveries in Europe to Australia’s megafauna and more, this book shows how our understanding of mammalian evolution has changed with new discoveries and techniques and the relationship between palaeontology, colonialism, capitalism and more throughout the ‘long’ nineteenth century.
[Listen to Episode] | [Get the Book on Amazon]
Dinomania: Why We Love, Fear, and are Utterly Enchanted by Dinosaurs (2019) by Boria Sax
Why are we so completely obsessed with dinosaurs? Sax’s Dinomania digs deep into the cultural psychology behind our prehistoric fascination, tracing dinosaurs through literature, film, toys, and popular imagination. It’s a wonderfully thoughtful exploration of how these ancient creatures have become modern myths, shaping everything from childhood play to scientific funding. Absolutely essential reading for anyone curious about the “why” behind our dinosaur obsession.
[Listen to Episode] | [Get the Book on Amazon]
Each of these books has brought something unique to our Fossils and Fiction conversations, and I hope they’ll spark your own prehistoric adventures too. Whether you’re drawn to cutting-edge science, cultural analysis, or just brilliant storytelling, there’s something here to capture your imagination!
What prehistoric page-turners would you recommend? Drop us a line – we’re always hunting for our next great read!
