Dinosaurs in the Attic: An Excursion into the American Museum of Natural History

The book was in relatively good condition. However, when I clicked on the copy that I wanted I selected “Buy New”. The book is not new. It is a preowned copy or at the very least a “new” book with damage. The good thing is that it isn’t warped or stinky. Just a little misleading.

You wouldn't think of museums as providing the stuff for comedians, but I can see not enough people know about what actually goes on in these collosal monuments to human curiosity!I came to this book by way of mystery writers (Preston and Child--Relic and Fairchild---The Bone Vault). So thanks guys for recommending this nonfiction read! Almost as quickly read as my mysteries.The need for so many people to collect items, animals and even humans (would someone please stomp on Admiral Peary's grave for a while)! Geez. You wouldn't think people would be so obtuse as to not realize that living, breathing human beings do not belong in museums as specimens of a tribe or culture we do not know. But obviously the wealthy who often did the collecting, or those 'explorers' who put fame and glory above compassion had a problem with understanding basic human rights. And yes, if tribes ask for their ancestors back, the bones should be returned and buried. How would we all feel if someone went and dug up our grandparents and put their skeletons on display without concern for our need to respect them? You don't see museum guys going to dig up white American or English cemetary plots, do you?Okay, off the soapbox. A fun read, well-written, well-researched. Preston went on to write several books using the museums as a somewhat creepy place, and frankly after reading this and other books, I don't think I'd want to be locked in the American Museum of Natural History. Pretty sure I'd freak out...too much past with too many ghosts attached to it. Besides, this place sounds like a mausoleum. Having just returned from visiting the Mutter Medical Museum in Philly with its assortment of bones, oddly shaped fetuses and a variety of other things like hands floating in some type of suspension fluid showing small pox at its worse...yikes, I don't know how much of this stuff I could take, and I took medical classes in the Morgue!The history of the museum is fascinating...the fact that we are able to see so little of this makes me yearn to do exploring down in the 'tombs' and hallways in the presence of company and full daylight, thank you.Karen Sadler,Science Education,University of Pittsburgh

It was a good, informative read of a subject outside of my general interests.

Dinosaurs in the Attic is split into two parts. The first part gives an overview of the history of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. The second part is a collection of random stories about some of the museum’s artifacts. The writing style is excellent. I found it hard to put the book down which is quite unusual for me reading a nonfiction book. It made me want to go visit the museum one day (which I just may be able to arrange very soon during a long layover in NYC on my way to Ireland). I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes of museums.

Was a gift and was enjoyed

Douglas Preston is simply a marvelous writer!! He wrote this book in the 1980's and his style captures you and keeps you - at that early stage of his career. Mr. Preston's love of the museum is so evident and makes you want to learn more about the history involved in this amazing museum in NYC.Dinosaurs in the Attic was fact filled, thought provoking, entertaining NONSTOP. This book is a treasure and I highly recommend it to everyone who enjoys a great tale of adventure and history. It was so entertaining, even though it is nonfiction, Preston made me want to read more and THEN(unfortunately) it was over. Wanted it to go on and on.What a great friend Douglas Preston is to the museum - great book to read before going to American Museum of Natural History.

I used to visit the Natural History Museum as a child, and loved its partly cosy, partly wild, atmosphere. This book brings to life the directors, philanthropists, explorers, scientists and artists who brought it to life. The only reason I’m giving it 4 stars is because I felt it ended too abruptly. What I wanted and expected from Preston’s other books, was some really big finish—a story that would ring down the curtain to thunderous applause. THEN talk about the Museum’s future.

I have had this book on my "next to read" list for quite a while now. So, after having read many of this authors other offerings, I purchased this one on my Kindle and jumped in expecting a good mystery. Well, I got what I asked for but not what I expected. It is a mystery to me that a book this detailed and scientific could also be a really good read.I have visited the Museum of Natural History in New York City several times before but after reading this book I plan to go again with a much different prospective. This time I will view the exhibits with the knowledge that everything there took more time, more money and much more foresight than I would have believed.

If you liked this, you should read Dry Store Room no 1, by Richard Fortey, which tells similar though more colourful and humorous stories about the Natural History Museum in London.

Good read