An exclusive look at the famous “lithographic limestones” of Solnhofen Germany, as only expert paleontologist, geologist and gemologist Stefano Piccini Ph.D. can tell it. This collector’s edition features exclusive, detailed pictures of rare fossils from private collections and in-depth scientific information about the most important, unique specimens discovered.

Jurassic Oceans: Solnhofen details the Fossil Lagerstätten made famous by the discovery of the Archaeopteryx, whose fossils often preserve feather impressions in the lithographic limestone and is considered the “missing link” between reptiles and birds. Beyond Archaeopteryx, the Solnhofen limestones have yielded an extraordinary assemblage of marine and terrestrial organisms including: small dinosaurs, pterosaurs, crocodiles, turtles, lizards, sphenodonts, ichthyosaurs, marine fish (cartilaginous and bony), marine invertebrates (mainly echinoderms, cephalopods, crustaceans and limulids), insects and plants.

Dr. Piccini shares knowledge collected from a lifetime’s work and study in an approachable way, including personal memories of his own visits to Solnhofen in the preface. Paired with stunning artwork, this is a “must have” for everyone from the aspiring paleontologist to the most particular collector.