Ammonite Masterpieces
WELCOME
Everyone knows ammonites. Alongside dinosaurs, they are the most well-known and popular fossils of all.
But who knows that ammonites are extinct relatives of squid and not snails? That they existed for over 350 million years, twice as long as the dinosaurs - and became extinct at the same time as 66 million years ago? Who has ever seen ammonites in the shape of spiral staircases, bowling balls, a ball of wool or a discus? Who is aware that ammonites are among the most bizarre and beautiful fossils in the history of the earth?
There are thousands of publications on this subject. But never before have the unique variety of forms and the wonderful, exciting stories surrounding these well-known and yet unknown fossils been comprehensively presented.
The book
-
Ammonite Masterpieces is a richly illustrated book that brings the reader closer to almost 150 of the most beautiful ammonite specimens from famous sites around the world.
-
Fantastic photos show: the greatest artist is nature!
-
Informative, entertaining and understandable texts provide in-depth knowledge about the appearance and life of ammonites.
-
Gripping reports allow to experience the excitement of the discovery and often adventurous excavation.
-
The large-format hardcover illustrated book has over 400 pages and is printed on high-quality, eco-certified natural paper.
impressions
 |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
Contet
Unique
150 Specimen
The focus lies on the unique beauty and diversity of ammonites. This illustrated book is not only a tribute to one of the most beautiful groups of fossils, but also to photography itself. Over 400 images are dedicated to both the realisitic reproduction as well as the artistic representation of these fossil masterpieces.
The Lobenlinien
science
For over 150 years, thousands of scientists have been researching exciting questions about ammonites: What did the animal look like? Where and when did they live? What did they eat - who were their enemies? These and many other special topics such as lobe lines, pathologies or the function of unusual shell shapes are dealt with concisely and understandably.
England
Localaties
Ammonites are found on every continent. Countless scientists, collectors and commercial excavators continue to discover new, sensational sites. In quarries, ravines, in the desert or in the high mountains - wherever the corresponding rocks of the subsoil come to the surface finds might be possible.
We present some of the most famous sites: in England, Germany, France, Australia, Japan, Madagascar, Morocco, USA and Canada
People
in the portrait
People & Stories
Behind every fossil there is a person: sites in the most remote regions of the world were discovered by daring adventurers. Or right on our doorstep.
Some unique finds are preceded by months of hard work. And sometimes someone just had to bend down for a moment.
Some fossils are so tightly packed into the rock that weeks of high-precision work in front of the microscope almost drove the preparator mad. And sometimes the find only had to be washed off with a toothbrush.
Ammonite Masterpieces often tells exciting anecdotes about the people and characters behind the fossils
Voices
press
Since the publication of the book and the opening of the corresponding exhibition at the Dinosaur Museum Altmühltal, numerous well-known media have reported on Ammonite Masterpieces.
Among others, articles and television reports can be found on SAT.1, in the Süddeutsche Zeitung, in the Stern, in the Nürnberger Nachrichten, etc. Even the German edition of National Geographic published a five-page article in its July issue!
About us
Kristin Erdmann
discovered her passion for photography at a young age, but also experimented in other areas.
She is an occupational therapist, climbing instructor and founder of one of the first industrial climbing companies in Germany. In recent years she has devoted herself intensively to object photography and has developed her own style. Her photographs bring out the beauty and fascination of ammonites in a unique way and give the book its incomparable character.
Raimund Albersdörfer
discovered his first fossil at the age of 5 - and it was an ammonite! His ongoing passion for collecting led him to study paleontology at the University of Erlangen.
After almost 30 years in the international fossil trade, the author is drawn back to his roots. He leaves the dinosaurs, of which he has discovered and excavated countless numbers, behind him and turns his attention back to the true rulers of the seas - the ammonites.
Raimund Albersdörfer is co-founder and co-owner of the Altmühltal Dinosaur Park.
Follow us
Contact us
Thank you for your interest
And there is no end in sight: new, even more unusual ammonites are constantly being discovered, new sites are being opened, and preparation methods are being improved. The book is intended to inspire people to keep searching, researching and discovering.
Countless ammonites all over the world are waiting to be found!