Spinosaur Tales

The Biology and Ecology of the Spinosaurs

David Hone (Author) , Mark Witton (Author)

Spinosaur Tales

The Biology and Ecology of the Spinosaurs

David Hone (Author) , Mark Witton (Author)

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Description

The spinosaurs – the dinosaur group that includes the largest land predator of all time, the awe-inspiring Spinosaurus – star in this cutting-edge review.

The giant sail-backed carnivorous dinosaur Spinosaurus is one of the most famous of all dinosaurs; a staple of documentaries, books and video games, and the beast that bested the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex in Jurassic Park III. But what do we actually know about this crocodile-headed monster and its relatives, the spinosaurs?

The spinosaurs were some of the strangest predatory dinosaurs, combining a long low skull with powerfully clawed hands. Some species had huge sails over their backs, as well as fin-like tails. A great deal of scientific mystery surrounds them. Their fossil remains are highly fragmentary, many aspects of their appearance uncertain, their evolutionary relationships elusive, and interpretations of their ecology and behaviour are hotly contested.

Spinosaur Tales explores the exciting, sometimes controversial world of spinosaur science. Bringing these creatures back to life with stunning illustrations, world-renowned palaeontologists David Hone and Mark P. Witton present the latest views on the evolution, anatomy and lifestyles of an enigmatic yet charismatic dinosaur group.

Preface
1. Introduction
2. History
3. Origins and Background
4. Species and Relationships
5. The Spinosaur Fossil Record
6. Spinosaur Anatomy: The Head
7. Spinosaur Anatomy: The body, Limbs and Tail
8. Spinosaur Anatomy: Life Appearance
9. Standing Tall, Getting Around: Posture and Locomotion
10. Feeding the Mouth, Fuelling the Body
11. Spinosaur Ecology
12. The Life of a Spinosaur
13. The Fascination and Frustrations of Spinosaurs

Product details

Published	06 Nov 2025
Format	Hardback
Edition	1st
Extent	320
ISBN	9781399412469
Imprint	Bloomsbury Sigma
Illustrations	60 black and white illustrations and diagrams; 8 page colour plate section
Dimensions	216 x 135 mm
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing

Author

David Hone

David Hone is rapidly becoming the ‘face’ of dinos…

Author

Mark Witton

Mark P. Witton is a palaeontologist based at the U…

Dave Hone and Mark Witton bring dinosaurs to life. Blending rigorous science with accessible ideas they put more than flesh on fossilised bones, they animate these ancient creatures, extrapolate behaviour, give them character and personality. And here they use all the evidence to reshape some of paleontologies most enigmatic yet mysterious animals - the bizarre big-finned , curly clawed spinosaurs. After years of lost specimens, dodgy deals and ferocious scientific debate Dave and Mark bravely confront the controversies and introduce us to what we know and what it means. Its a joyous journey from the past to the present as these magnificent species rise from the pages to inhabit our prehistoric dreams!

Chris Packham
Spinosaurus and relatives are some of the strangest flesh-eating dinosaurs and they are contenders with T. rex for the title of scariest dinosaur. Hone and Witton provide an authoritative account of the recent rush of new specimens and news research that seeks to understand how these remarkable animals hunted and swam.

Michael J. Benton, author Dinosaurs: New Visions of a Lost World
An unauthorized biography of one of the most famous but elusive dinosaurs. Once an obscure species, Spinosaurus is now among the most iconic dinosaurs, although so much about it remains shrouded in mystery. If you want to encounter the real Spinosaurus, and understand what we know and don't know about it, read this book. Written by a leading paleontologist and illustrated by one of the world's premier paleoartists, Spinosaur Tales is a thoroughly researched, well crafted, and beautifully illustrated guide to the newest celebrity dinosaur.

Steve Brusatte, bestselling author of The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs
The only book on spinosaurs you will ever need. A detailed, factually accurate, and up-to-date insight into the world of some of the most peculiar dinosaurs.

Dr Dean Lomax, author of The Secret Lives of Dinosaurs
A comprehensive overview of modern research into spinosaurs … Dinosaur enthusiasts will find much of interest.

Publishers Weekly