A study of some of the mysteries about dinosaurs and other prehistoric reptiles. It makes comparisons between living and extinct animals, as well as drawing on science and engineering concepts to explain curiosities such as similarities between the aerodynamics of pteranodons and Spitfire planes.

Christopher McGowan sets out to solve some of the enduring mysteries about dinosaurs and other prehistoric reptiles. He makes comparisons between living and extinct animals while presenting topics that range from gigantism to intellect. In addition to exploring the natural history of the Mesozoic Era, McGowan draws on science and engineering concepts to explain curiosities such as the similarities between the aerodynamics of pteranodons and Spitfire planes. Dinosaurs are so popular that we often neglect the even more fascinating reptiles of their time that evolved in the most unreptilian habitats of sea (ichtyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and their allies) and air (pterosaurs). McGowan tells their story without neglecting the more conventional dinosaurs.