Visions of Lost Worlds: The Paleoart of Jay Matternes Hardcover – Illustrated, October 22, 2019

This is a neat book, because it is NOT focused on cutting-edge paleoart. Instead, it takes a close look at the work of J. Matternes from decades ago. The main focus is on 6 Cenozoic Mammal murals, with deep, detailed examination of sketches, notes, letters, zoomed-in views, musculature, communication with scientists at other institutions, etc. The last 30 pages or so is focused on dinosaur dioramas. I really appreciate how well-curated the book is: it examines the process and methods, but without making it seems overwhelming and encyclopedic. This is not a complete anthology of every scrap of paper and photo related to the murals - but just a glance, at how one plaeoartist created several extremely influential pieces.

I saw all these paintings years ago as a child and remember being fascinated by them. I looked at them for hours and could identify every beast. I am thrilled to be able to see them once again. I am sad that all these wonderful creatures are no longer with us, but this book is as close to there as possible.

As a kid, I remember seeing the murals of Matternes in the Smithsonian halls of prehistoric mammals back in the 90s. Since then, Matternes has been my favorite paleoartist, and was probably the main reason my interest in prehistoric mammals slightly eclipses that of dinosaurs. As a kid, I hung on to the few magazines I could find that featured only bits of his art, because unfortunately there was nothing else, and I would have done anything for an artbook or prints. So when I found out a book of Matternes' art from the Smithsonian had been released, I was ecstatic like a little kid again, and ordered it almost immediately. I know one submitted review stated that the book featured five of Matterneses Pleistocene murals as well as some featuring dinosaurs, and I would like to make a correction there; his Alaskan Pleistocene mural is there, as well as murals featuring the early Eocene, late Eocene, late Oligocene/early Miocene, late Miocene, and Pliocene. Each of these is featured in its own chapter and accompanied with in-depth production sketches, a key to identify the animals, journal entries, and zoomed-in parts of the murals. In closing, this book is an absolute must-have for collectors of paleoart, lovers of the Smithsonian, and fans of prehistoric life.

This was a birthday gift for my grandson. He had specified this book, and seemed pretty happy when he opened it so I assume it was a hit!

An excellent volume illustrating the career of one of paleoart's lesser known creators. His career is covered in some detail, and the quality and quantity of gorgeously reproduced images of his murals & paintings is superb.

Beautiful illustrations with informative narratives. Especially interesting seeing how each picture was developed from initial sketches.

I have always been interested in prehistory and this book fills the bill.

Great but geared for older children

This is a nice art book of prehistoric animals

excellent reproductions

Great arts, great work, great book!

A great publication on the works of one of the masters of Paleoart,

Book wonderful