Feathered Dragons

The setting -- Osteology and Ichnology -- Eggs, nests, feathers, and flight.

"Inspired by the spectacular discoveries of the past two decades from the Age of Reptiles in China, Riddle of the Feathered Dragons explores how these miraculous fossils have transformed the contentious arena of bird and dinosaur evolution. Aside from being the most comprehensive discussion of these avian and associated discoveries, the author delves into the world of investigative journalism to expose the darker side of the world of fossil birds and dinosaurs. The book exposes the massive unfounded speculation that has characterized the field of vertebrate paleontology and published extensively in the world's most prestigious journals, including everything from supposed dinosaur protein to so-called feathered dinosaurs. The book questions the validity of the foundational tenets of the now "unquestionable orthodoxy" of bird and dinosaur evolution, including bird origins, feathered dinosaurs, flight origin from the ground-up and hot-blooded dinosaurs and their proteins. It exposes how speculation has gone far beyond the ability of the currently available evidence to yield answers. The author concludes that birds are best defined by a more traditional definition of the possession of feathers and avian flight architecture, that the so-called "feathered dinosaurs" are most likely derived avians, and that flight clearly originated from the trees-down, from ancestors that antedated the dinosaurs, rather than a direct linear descent"--

Here be Dragons... Not the slavering, whimsical monsters from childhood fancies, but real Dragons—fierce, complex, wondrous, and wild. They do not require our belief; they never have. With hard science and myth, empirical wisdom, and original line drawings, The Dragon Keeper's Handbook is the draconic enchiridion for the modern world, providing everything you need to know about these extraordinary beings. From disparate theories of Dragon evolution and the golden geometry of their form to modern conservation efforts and how to release a well-weaned orphan back into the wild, this book answers all your questions, even those you didn't know to ask. From awe-inspiring Cosmic Creators to wee pisuhänds guarding hearth and home, discover the habits and habitats of Dragons and pseudo-dragons both familiar and rare. The Dragon Keeper's Handbook shows us how human and Dragon lives are bound together and why Dragons are now and ever-will-be relevant: In their wildness lie lessons for us all.

Clear, illustrated and step-by-step enough that a child can follow it, but detailed, imaginative and insightful enough that an adult can learn from it as well, this book offers anyone and everyone a simple way to learn how to draw dragons.

Majestic, mighty, and mysterious, dragons teach us how to rise above the mundane and shine like beacons in the dark. This beautiful hardcover book provides everything you need to become a cryptoherpetologist—a student and researcher of these fantastic creatures. Discover the different dragon species and their histories. Learn about dragon life cycles and how to live harmoniously with them. Explore vacation spots for dragon watching in America and Europe. Celebrate seasonal dragon festivals and meet the most famous dragons from literature and lore. Dragon expert Shawn MacKenzie guides you on an epic journey into the world of dragons—all in this convenient hardcover book.

Welcome to Dragon Country! Here Dragonfire sears the grass and the wind dances with Dragon-song. Here you'll find true Dragons, real flesh-and-blood creatures that are as fiercely alive and majestic as they were thousands of years ago. Learn about the three true species: Eastern, Western, and Feathered Explore how Dragons evolved and the various types of pseudo-dragons Study the science of Dragons: size, diet, temperament, habitat, and more Discover how Dragons impact religion, art, literature, and occult studies Find out how to safely interact with Dragons This essential, comprehensive introduction to Dragons is filled with what everyone must know about these extraordinary creatures. Whether a casual dracophile or a dedicated Dragon keeper, come explore what Dragons have to teach us about the world and our-selves. Discover how, with care and devotion, you can help save them from extinction.

A fantastic collection of draconic tradition! Since the Bronze Age, people have been fascinated, enchanted, and even frightened by tales of mystical dragons. With this book, you will unravel the history and mystery behind these serpentine beasts with folklore, mythology, and poetry from every tradition in the world. From the Slavic Zmey Gorynych, bearing its three fire-breathing heads, to J.R.R. Tolkien's Smaug, who laid entire towns to waste, the thrilling stories surrounding these fierce monsters are sure to captivate anyone who has ever dreamed of running into one during his or her travels. Whether you're interested in exploring the history and culture or just want to learn more about your favorite types of dragons, the legendary tales in this book will transport you to a time when these mythical creatures ruled the land, sea, and sky. Complete with hundreds of imaginative illustrations, Dragons reveals the magnificent beauty of these mesmerizing creatures as well as their terrifying power over civilizations.