In the popular 1990 novel Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton (1942–), Jurassic Park is the name given to a wondrous playground constructed on an island off the coast of South America. Using genetic engineering, scientists on the island have cloned dinosaurs from ancient DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) contained in fossils. Their efforts to control the animals go horribly wrong, however, and the dinosaurs break loose and terrorize visitors to the park. The park contains a Tyrannosaurus rex, a huge and dangerous predator, but the real "villains" among the dinosaurs are the much smaller Velociraptors (pronounced va-LOSS-ah-RAP-tors), which are quick, intelligent, and hunt in packs. The book fascinated readers with its exploration of what happens when scientists meddle with the creation of life. In this respect, the story echoed the themes of the classic tale of Frankenstein (see entry under 1930s—Film and Theater in volume 2).

The film Jurassic Park...