November 2025: DINOVEMBER

Oct 30, 2025 | Announcements, Library

By Research Librarian Jessica Zaricki

Dinovember was developed in 2013 as a month-long celebration tapping into the whimsy children experience with their favorite toys, particularly dinosaurs. Since then, the practice has escaped households and found footholds in schools and libraries. This year, we excavated our collection here at the Athenaeum and unearthed titles relating to dinosaurs, natural history, and evolution. Remember, dinosaurs are not just for kids, and neither is whimsy—ask someone about their favorite prehistoric creature before the month ends!

Members, find the listed titles on display in the Sawtelle Reading Room through the month of November.

Darwin’s Origin of Species: A Biography

BIOGRAPHY

This accessible introduction to Darwin’s seminal work from his leading biographer explores the development of his theories from his readings at university and his journeys about the Beagle to his debates with other scholars and his own personal experiments. It also discusses the wide and immediate impact of the book at the time of its initial publication as well as its continuing influence today.

Browne, Janet. Darwin’s Origin of Species: A Biography. QH365 .O8 B76 2006

Dragon Hunter: Roy Chapman Andrews and the Central Asiatic Expeditions

BIOGRAPHY

Gallenkamp’s biography of archaeologist and naturalist Roy Chapman Andrews focuses on the Central Asiatic Expeditions of 1922-1930. These expeditions involved the exploration of the Gobi Desert of Outer and Inner Mongolia and were marked by a wonder of discoveries including dinosaur eggs, the first velociraptor skeleton, and various dinosaur and extinct mammal fossils. The members also experienced adventures that led Andrews to be described as the inspiration for the fictional archaeologist and adventurer, Indiana Jones. An entertaining read for lovers of dinosaurs and daring exploits alike.

Gallenkamp, Charles. Dragon Hunter: Roy Chapman Andrews and the Central Asiatic Expeditions. QH31 .A55 G36 2001

The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World

NON-FICTION

Hailed as “the ultimate dinosaur biography,” by Scientific America, this work offers a definitive account of the scientific history surrounding the two hundred million years in which these creatures inhabited the earth. It explores their lost world and enigmatic origins, spectacular flourishing, astonishing diversity, cataclysmic extinction, and startling living legacy. It also includes stories from Brusatte’s own field experiences and discoveries.

Brusatte, Steve. The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World. QE861.4 .B79 2018

The Rise and Reign of the Mammals: A New History, From the Shadow of the Dinosaurs to Us

NON-FICTION

Continuing the saga begun in his definitive history on dinosaurs, Brusatte delivers an in-depth exploration of the story of the creatures who inherited the earth upon their demise—mammals. He explores their beginnings 325 million years ago and guides the reader through their survival of the mass extinction event that killed the dinosaurs and their spread and diversification over the next 66 million years. Throughout, the story is supported by discoveries made possible through fossilized clues and technological advances.

Brusatte, Steve.The Rise and Reign of the Mammals: A New History, From the Shadow of the Dinosaurs to Us. QE881. B86 2022

Dry Storeroom No. 1: The Secret Life of the Natural History Museum

NON-FICTION

Fortey offers readers a behind-the-scenes look at London’s Natural History Museum, focusing on the people, research, and passion that went into the creation of the exhibits and sense of wonder visitors experience during a visit. Alongside the physical components of the museum including collections and their spaces, he also explores the social history surrounding scientific accomplishments from the 19th century to today.

Fortey, Richard. Dry Storeroom No. 1: The Secret Life of the Natural History Museum. Q!H70 .G72 L6533 2008

The Gilded Dinosaur: The Fossil War Between E. D. Cope and O. C. Marsh and the Rise of American Science

NON-FICTION

The second half of the 19th century was marked by both geographical expansion and intellectual debate. Americans moved west and scholars debated the ideas of evolution by natural selection proposed by naturalist Charles Darwin. Into this environment grew one of the greatest and most ferocious scientific rivalries between paleontologists Edwin Drinker Cope and Othniel Charles Marsh. Their gilded age expeditions unearthed some of the most famous dinosaurs known today and exposed fossils that provided proof for Darwin’s theories and paved the way for the growth and development of scientific study in America.

Jaffe, Mark. The Gilded Dinosaur: The Fossil War Between E. D. Cope and O. C. Marsh and the Rise of American Science. QE707 .C63 J34 2000

Fossils Finches and Fuegians : Darwin’s Adventures and Discoveries on the Beagle

NON-FICTION

This work from the great-grandson of Charles Darwin presents the first modern account of his expedition aboard the HMS Beagle. It recounts the many adventures faced by the men including tracking condor in Chile, surviving a great earthquake, and riding across country on horseback, while also focusing on Darwin’s scientific work such as findings in geology and botany as well as his changing thought process involving various species and their evolution. It’s another read to fascinate scientists and adventurers alike.

Keynes, Richard Darwin. Fossils Finches and Fuegians : Darwin’s Adventures and Discoveries on the Beagle. QH11 .K49 2003

The Monster’s Bones: The Discovery of T. Rex and How It Shook Our World

NON-FICTION

Randall offers us the story of two very different men, one struggling museum, and the public’s fascination with extinct and mysterious creatures, known only from their bones. Socialite Henry Fairfield Osborn, fossil hunter Bryson Brown, and the New York Natural History Museum are forever tied together through the discovery and later exhibition of the first T. Rex skeleton. The interest shown by visitors encouraged increased display and study of dinosaurs, which transformed these creatures from a biological oddity into a cultural phenomenon.

Randall, David K. The Monster’s Bones: The Discovery of T. Rex and How It Shook Our World. QE862 .S3 R36 2022

IMAGE: Cropped press photo of children enjoying the Dinosaur Dig at the Children’s Museum of Portsmouth at 280 Marcy Street, Portsmouth on August 29, 1989. Portsmouth Press Photograph Collection, P0031_0089.