In some cases, scientific research into the space-time continuum may have [unexpected] consequences . . . as occurs in Isaac Asimov's short story "'A Statue for Daddy.' In this tale . . . two scientists . . . recover 14 dinosaur eggs. The eggs are carefully incubated, and they hatch bipedal dinosaurs about the same size as a medium-sized dog. One of them is accidentally electrocuted, and the scientists discover that their meat is truly exquisite. They become fabulously rich rearing and marketing dinosaur meat under the name of 'dinochicken.'"

Ever since the discovery of the first fossil remains in the 19th century, dinosaurs have captured the imaginations of scientists and inspired writers, artists, and filmmakers. Dinosaurs, and legends about them are firmly entrenched in popular culture, where scientific information and our interest in the life of the past most often meet. Starring T. Rex! considers dinosaurs as a cultural phenomenon, seen as the interaction of three factors-paleontological discoveries, the cultural interest these discoveries awaken, and the possibilities they offer for commercial exploitation. Jose Luis Sanz explains that the knowledge generated by paleontologists enters popular culture at a mythological level and that the mass communication media (for example, science fiction literature, comic books, television, and movies) are the vehicles that link science and its reflection in culture.

Sanz first analyzes the historical origins of the dinosaur myth in modern society. He then considers the manner in which information drawn from scientific study enters popular consciousness, discussing, among other things, the coexistence of men and dinosaurs, what dinosaurs looked like, extinction, the presence of dinosaurs in fantasy stories, and the relationship between dinosaurs and dragons.

The power of dinosaur myths in popular culture.

About the Author

Professor Michael Archer is currently Director of the Australian Museum in Sydney as well as a Professor in the School of Biological Science at the University of New South Wales. Dr. Suzanne Hand is a Research Scientist in
the School of Biological Science at the University of New South Wales and a Research Associate of the Australian Museum. Henk Godthelp is the Manager of the Vertebrate Palaeontology laboratories at the University of New South Wales and a Research Associate of the Australian Museum.

Reviews
"By first providing a historical overview of paleontology in relation to popular culture and then analyzing this relationship, Sanz guides the reader through an entertaining study of the dinosaurs that populate the world of literature and cinema... Recommended..." -Library Journal



Book Information
ISBN 9780253215505
Author Jose Luis Sanz
Format Paperback
Page Count 176
Imprint Indiana University Press
Publisher Indiana University Press