Selected science fiction workRaptor Red is a 1995 American novel bypaleontologistRobert T. Bakker. The book is a third-person account ofdinosaurs during theCretaceous Period, told from the point of view of Raptor Red, a femaleUtahraptor.Raptor Red features many of Bakker's theories regarding dinosaurs' social habits, intelligence, and the world in which they lived. The book follows a year in Raptor Red's life as she loses her mate, finds her family, and struggles to survive in a hostile environment. Bakker drew inspiration fromErnest Thompson Seton's works that look at life through the eyes of predators, and said that he found it "fun" to write from atop predator's perspective. Bakker based his portrayals of dinosaurs and other prehistoric wildlife on fossil evidence, as well as studies of modern animals. When released,Raptor Red was generally praised: Bakker'santhropomorphism was seen as a unique and positive aspect of the book, and his writing was described as folksy and heartfelt. Criticisms of the novel included a perceived lack of characterization and average writing. Some scientists, such as paleontologistDavid B. Norman, took issue with the scientific theories portrayed in the novel, fearing that the public would accept them as fact, while Discovery Channel hostJay Ingram defended Bakker's creative decisions in an editorial. Science fiction topicsRelated Portals |
