Sea life and the seashore: general interest Books

Book SynopsisLONGLISTED FOR THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE 2022A remarkable and powerful book, the rarest of things Nicolson is unique as a writer I loved it' EDMUND DE WAALFew places are as familiar as the shore and few as full of mystery and surprise.How do sandhoppers inherit an inbuilt compass from their parents? How do crabs understand the tides? How can the death of one winkle guarantee the lives of its companions? What does a prawn know?In Life Between the Tides, Adam Nicolson explores the natural wonders of the shoreline, from the extraordinary biology of its curious animals to the flow of our human history. This is an invitation to the water, where marvellous things wait an inch below the surface.Previously published as The Sea is Not Made of WaterTrade Review‘Miraculous … Effortlessly, in deft, sure and delightful prose, he segues through species, science and art to present tidal nature as a microcosm. The result is an utterly fascinating glimpse of a watery world we only thought we knew’Philip Hoare ‘A beautiful, powerful story of how we understand the unfolding change of the shore.This is a remarkable and powerful book, the rarest of things, both a call-to-arms and a call-to-pause and truly look. Nicolson is unique as a writer, happy soaked to the skin on the shoreline and happy unweaving skeins of philosophy. I loved it’Edmund de Waal ‘Pure joy. From the ecology of a sandhopper to the cosmic pull of the tides Adam Nicolson takes us paddling into the pools of our own nature, to places where boundaries are restlessly shifting and balance exists between tension and flow – a dazzling, kaleidoscopic exploration into the meaning of life itself’Isabella Tree ‘A fascinating guide to all things littoral: a natural history of the rockpool that teems with life … Endlessly interesting, its wonders unfurl, fractal-like, the more closely you examine it’Cal Flyn ‘The man who finds wonder in a winkle … Remarkable … In Nicolson’s hands the intertidal zone is shown to be rich and revelatory … It is as lyrical, learned and rambunctiously eccentric as his previous work … For a book so focused on non-human life, it is luminously humane’The Times ‘Exquisite … A bravura act of writing … This uniquely and terribly moving book is great literature indeed – reaches beyond itself to speak to us of the most profound and essential things’Alex Preston, Observer ‘One of our finest writers of non-fiction … Nicolson’s overarching theme in this book … goes to the very heart of what ecology is … the great pleasure of this book is that he does not allow the specifics of his enquiries to keep him from probing the big questions’Philip Marsden, Spectator

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Book SynopsisA fascinating introduction to the different habitats and creatures to be found along the coastline. With over 240 colour photographs, this is the ideal guide to take on seashore rambles.Divided into different coastline habitats for ease of use, Collins Gem Seashore is the ideal guide for families and children.Featured habitats include cliffs, rocky shores, sand dunes, saltmarsh, shingle and the strandline.The book includes full details of the many species to be found within each habitat.Introductions to seaweeds, worms, molluscs, arthopods, fish, birds and mammals, and many other shore-line inhabitants are presented in a clear, accessible manner.This portable, informative book is perfect for any excursion to the shore.

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE BEST MIXED MEDIA BOOK AWARD AT THE CREATIVE BOOK AWARDS 2024A gorgeous guide to foraging, pressing and using seaweeds for a wealth of home creative projects. Both aspirational and inspirational, this guide to bringing the outdoors inside is quite unlike anything on the market and will inspire all readers to begin their beach foraging journey.A beautifully packaged, comprehensive visual guide to seaweed by design company Molesworth & Bird. Seaweed will inspire readers to look beyond the tangled piles of seaweed washed up at high tide, to discover its exceptional beauty and appreciate its many uses. The book celebrates the unique appeal of the plants and showcases the myriad ways to bring their beauty indoors, with the authors providing step-by-step activities so you can create your own prints at home. Whether pressing a deep khaki green Peacock's Tail seaweed or creating a stunning cyanotype with Eelgrass, the possibilities are endless with this seashore bounty.The book is packed with glorious photography of the UK coastlines where the seaweeds can be foraged, alongside stylish interiors, and scenes of beach cook-outs and wild swimming spots. It also includes a library of pressed seaweeds presented in colour categories, with notes for identification and use. There is expert guidance on collecting seaweeds, and it will show how foraged seaweeds can be used at home for cooking, dyeing and printing fabrics, and as part of your skincare routine. It explores the fascinating history of seaweed collecting and investigates its potential as a healthy food source and sustainable material, whether foraged or farmed.Trade Review‘Framed foraged seaweed is the wholesome homeware trend you need to know now […] these days the interiors cognoscenti are adorning walls in seaweed art in chic palettes of plum, moss and rhubarb’ – Sunday Times Style, 30th Oct 2022

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Book SynopsisSeaweed is so familiar and yet its names - pepper dulse, sea lettuce, bladderwrack - are largely unknown to us. In this short, exquisitely illustrated portrait, the Dutch poet and artist Miek Zwamborn shares her discoveries of its history, culture and use, from the Neolithic people of the Orkney Islands to sushi artisans in modern Japan. Seaweed troubled Columbus on his voyages across the Atlantic, intrigued von Humboldt in the Sargasso Sea and inspired artists from Hokusai to Matisse. Covering seaweed's collection by Victorians, its adoption into fashion and dance and its potential for combating climate change, and with a fabulous series of recipes based around the 'truffles of the sea', this is a wonderful gift for every nature lover's home.Trade ReviewA very special, little, cute, moving but splendid book. * Shortlisting for Jan Wolkers Prijs 2018 *a treasure chest filled with fascinating, horizon-widening, mind-expanding curiosities and moments of awe and wonder on every page. Zwambown is an artist-polymath: erudite, wide-ranging and magpie-like. She takes us underwater to a world of iridescence rainbow weed, sea monsters, space algae and world-saving kelp. She opens up the sea for us with an intriguing mixture of cultural and natural history, acute observations and enchanting illustrations and challenges us to slow down and engage in a radical noticing and joy of seeing we all need. I am now completely obsessed by seaweed. -- Lucy Jones author of * Losing Eden *

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Book Synopsis'Sy Montgomery’s The Soul of an Octopus does for the creature what Helen Macdonald’s H Is for Hawk did for raptors' New Statesman'Charming and moving...with extraordinary scientific research' Guardian'An engaging work of natural science... There is clearly something about the octopus’s weird beauty that fires the imaginations of explorers, scientists, writers' Daily Mail In 2011 Sy Montgomery wrote a feature for Orion magazine entitled 'Deep Intellect' about her friendship with a sensitive, sweet-natured octopus named Athena and the grief she felt at her death. It went viral, indicating the widespread fascination with these mysterious, almost alien-like creatures. Since then, Sy has practised true immersion journalism, from New England aquarium tanks to the reefs of French Polynesia and the Gulf of Mexico, pursuing these wild,Trade Review'Charming and moving...with extraordinary scientific research.' * Guardian *'Sy Montgomery's The Soul of an Octopus does for the creature what Helen Macdonald 's H Is for Hawk did for raptors.' * New Statesman *'An engaging work of natural science... There is clearly something about the octopus’s weird beauty that fires the imaginations of explorers, scientists, writers.' * Daily Mail *'Fascinating... touching... informative... Entertaining books like The Soul of an Octopus remind us of just how much we not only have to learn from fellow creatures, but that they can have a positive impact on our lives.' * DAILY BEAST *'Journalistic immersion... allows Montgomery to deliver a deeper understanding of the "other", thereby adding to our understanding of ourselves. A good book might illuminate something you knew little about, transform your world view, or move you in ways you didn't think possible. The Soul of an Octopus delivers on all three.' * New Scientist *'Naturalist Montgomery writes exceptionally affecting and enlightening books inspired by both rigorous scientific curiosity and enraptured wonder and empathy for all living beings... In prose as gripping and entwining as her subjects’ many arms, Montgomery chronicles the octopus’ phenomenal strength, dexterity, speed... She also tells funny and moving stories about her friendships... Montgomery’s uniquely intimate portrait of the elusive octopus profoundly recalibrates our perception of consciousness, communication and community.' * Booklist (STARRED review) *'Award-winning author Montgomery reveals [octopuses’] beauty. The book takes readers on a vivid tour of their complex inner world… explores their proclivities, their relationships and their intelligence and ultimately tries to deduce whether they possess consciousness… It is hard to come away from this book without a new appreciation for these wonderful creatures.' * Scientific American *'Montgomery’s journey of discovery encourages the reader to reflect on his or her own definition of consciousness and "soul". In the end, the book leaves one with the impression that our way of interacting with the world is not the only way or the most superior way and that sentience similarly comes in a variety of equally astounding forms, all worthy of recognition and compassion.' * Science Magazine *'What makes this book unusual is that Montgomery doesn't try to answer this question [about consciousness] by sifting through piles of research. Instead, she ... listens. She records every small moment, treating each octopus like a character in a Jane Austen novel. The effect is wonderful. By the end, it's hard to shake the feeling that these bizarre creatures really do have rich internal lives, even if we still lack the imagination to grasp them entirely.' * Vox *'Delightful.' * NATURE *'With apparent delight, Montgomery puts readers inside the world of these amazing creatures. A fascinating glimpse into an alien consciousness.' -- Kirkus Reviews'Renowned author Sy Montgomery's latest gem is a must read for those who want to dissolve the human-constructed borders between "them" (other animals) and us. Connecting with other animals is part of the essential and personal process of rewilding and reconnecting with other animals, and The Soul of an Octopus is just what is needed to close the gap.' -- Marc Bekoff, author of The Emotional lives of Animals'Diving deeper than Jules Verne ever dreamed, The Soul of an Octopus is a page-turning adventure that will leave you breathless. Has science ever been this deliciously hallucinatory? Boneless and beautiful, the characters here are not only big-hearted, they're multi-hearted, as well as smart, charming, affectionate...and, of course, ambidextrous. If there is a Mother Nature, her name is Sy Montgomery.' -- Vicki Constantine Croke, author of Elephant Company'In The Soul of an Octopus, Sy Montgomery immerses readers into an intriguing, seductive world just beneath the ocean waves and the lives of the creatures living within. In this beautifully written book, she brings empathy, insight and an enchanting sense of wonderment to the bonds we inherently share with other beings - even those seeming far different from us.' -- Vint Virga, DVM * The Soul of All Living Creatures *'Enter the mysterious intelligent alien world of the octopus. Experience a real intelligence based on a sense of touch that humans can barely imagine.' -- Temple Grandin, author of Animals in Translation

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Book SynopsisA wonderful portable edition of Millie Marotta's Secrets of the Sea, from the Sunday Times and international bestseller artist. Millie Marotta is a hugely popular illustrator and her idiosyncratic drawings of the world's wonderful creatures have enthralled millions over the years. This pocket colouring book features over 80 wonderful illustrations in a smaller format to add colour to. Discover the wondrous wildlife from the Arctic waters to the balmy Australian coast. Swim with dolphins, narwhals and manatees. Grab your pens and pencils and bring to life jellyfish, seahorses and polar bears. This an essential book for colouring fans who love her pattern illustration style, which allows for the most creative of colouring. On this beautiful journey around the seas of the world, indulge your creativity, discover some fascinating creatures, and enjoy the perfect mindful activity while on the go or to pop in your travel bag.

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Book SynopsisMaya Plass (consultant)After a BSc in Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology, followed by an MSc in Integrated Coastal Zone Management, Maya set up her own marine education business - Learn To Sea. She is a regular guest presenter on the BBC's Springwatch, Autumnwatch, and Coast and is author of the RSPB Handbook of the Seashore (2013). She is patron of three marine conservation charities - Sea-changers, MARINElife, and The Blue Mile.Chris Packham (foreword) Is a wildlife TV presenter, author, photographer, and naturalist.

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Book SynopsisEnthralling tales of the sea, rivers and lakes from around the globe. Folklore of the seas and rivers has a resonance in cultures all over the world. Watery hopes, fears and dreams are shared by all peoples where rivers flow and waves crash. This fascinating book covers English sailor superstitions and shape-shifting pink dolphins of the Amazon, Scylla and Charybdis, the many guises of Mami Wata, the tale of the Yoruba River spirit, the water horses of the Scottish lochs, the infamous mystery of the Bermuda Triangle, and much more. Accompanied by stunning woodcut illustrations, popular authors Dee Dee Chainey and Willow Winsham explore the deep history and enduring significance of water folklore the world over, from mermaids, selkies and sirens to ghostly ships and the fountains of youth. With this book, Folklore Thursday aims to encourage a sense of belonging across all cultures by showing how much we all have in common.Trade Review‘From selkies and sirens to the mysterious monsters of Scottish lochs, there is much to enlighten and entertain in this splendid collection of watery folklore’ -- The Countryman'A broad-brush and culturally diverse overview of the many facets of watery folklore, this Treasury of Folklore is a welcome addition to the literature, and one that is sure to please and inform a wide audience’ -- Folklore‘Dee Dee Chainey and Willow Winsham prove their own deserved place within the folklore world with these enchanting books.' * Fortean Times *

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Book SynopsisGleaming and sparkling, the coral sea Is a place of magical mystery. A gorgeous picture book by award-winning author and illustrator Britta Teckentrup! Discover a world beneath the waves that is teeming with life, from tiny, graceful seahorses to darting tropical fish, and from electric eels to humpback whales. Lyrical text by Patricia Hegarty and stunning artwork by the award-winning illustrator Britta Teckentrup capture a colourful array of sea creatures in this delightful peep-through picture book. Die-cuts reveal fascinating creatures and vibrant artwork is paired with gentle text to capture the world beneath the waves. Also available in the Peek-through Nature series: Don't miss the full range of stunning picture books that focus on the natural world, including Moon, Bee, Tree and Home! For more Britta Teckentrup books that explore social themes, don’t miss We Are Together, Under the Same Sky, Kindness Grows and A Happy Place.

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Book SynopsisThis practical pocket field guide, published in association with the Wildlife Trusts, includes 170 species of coastal birds from Britain and the near Continent. Each species account contains accurate artworks that show details of variations in plumage for male, female and juvenile birds, as well as breeding and non-breeding birds. A concise written account outlines further essential information, such as size, description, voice, habitat, distribution and habits.The easy-to-follow layouts and illustrations aid quick and precise identification, and make this book an indispensable reference in the field as well as at home. It is compact enough to fit in the pocket yet packed with essential information for nature enthusiasts.Table of ContentsIntroduction Birds of coastal habitats The basics of identification Using this book Coastal Birds Wildfowl Divers Grebes Fulmar and Shearwaters Storm-petrels Gannet Cormorants Herons Spoonbills Hawks & Allies Osprey Falcons Rails Oystercatchers Stilts Avocets Plovers Waders Skuas Gulls Terns Auks Pigeons Cuckoos Barn Owls Typical Owls Swifts Kingfishers Woodpeckers Larks Swallows & Martins Pipits & Wagtails Chats Thrushes Warblers & Allies Flycatchers Bearded Tit Crows Starlings Finches Buntings

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Book SynopsisUncover what lies at the deepest depths of our oceans...In ten brief and informative essays, marine biologist and TV science advisor Professor Jon Copley journeys to one of the most mysterious and fascinating environments on Earth, the deep sea. Discover what makes this unique habitat such a challenging environment, the creatures that call it home and how ocean explorers are able to utilise the latest technology to aid their research and travel miles below the ocean surface.The Deep Sea: 10 things you should know is a brilliant guide to one of the most fascinating and curious places known to humankind.

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Book SynopsisJulia Rothman's best-selling illustrated Anatomy series takes a deep dive into the wonders of the sea with Ocean Anatomy. Follow Rothman's inquisitive mind and perceptive eye along shorelines, across the open ocean, and below the waves for an artistic exploration of the watery universe. Through her drawings, discover how the world's oceans formed, why the sea is salty, and the forces behind oceanic phenomena such as rogue waves. Colourful anatomical profiles of sea creatures from crustacean to cetacean, surveys of seafaring vessels and lighthouses, and the impact of plastic and warming water temperatures are just part of this compendium of curiosities that will entertain and educate readers of all ages. Also available in this series: Nature Anatomy, Farm Anatomy, Food Anatomy, and Nature Anatomy Notebook

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Book SynopsisGet ready for an epic mission INSIDE a water dragon in Alex Neptune's third fast and funny adventure - perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and Dragon Realm!The sea creatures near Haven Bay are acting very strangely, attacking boats, and Alex senses some dark power is controlling them. When he tracks down his friend the water dragon, he finds it's been infected too. If he can't find a way to stop it, the deadly parasite it's carrying could spread throughout the seas. After battling storms, electric eels and an army of angry crabs, Alex realises that the only way he and his team can save the dragon and all their ocean friends is by going inside the dragon...gulp!

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Book Synopsis''Thrilling'' Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall''Authoritative and furious, urgent and persuasive'' Sunday Times''Compelling ... Roberts is that precious pearl: a practising scientist who not only knows his field inside out, but also understands how to write'' Guardian Oceans are the most mysterious places on earth. Their depths remain largely unexplored, yet ninety-five percent of the planet''s habitable space lies within them. And now the life they support is in the balance.Callum Roberts uses his lifetime''s experience working with the oceans to take us on a panoramic tour beneath the seas, exploring the richness of life in the deep and how it has altered over the centuries. He shows the catastrophic impact of humanity on the oceans, but also how we can restore them to life.''For anyone who loves the sea, Ocean of Life is a wake-up call, an urgent alert'' Daily Mail''At the heart of this book is a deep loTrade ReviewThose of us who worry about the future of our oceans could do a lot worse than take up this single refrain, "Listen to Callum Roberts!". Shouted in the ears of the world's leaders, it might just make a difference. Meanwhile we should all read Ocean of Life, a thrilling narrative of oceanic natural history and a vital call to action -- Hugh Fearnley-WhittingstallAuthoritative and furious ... a grand survey ... impossible to ignore ... Ocean of Life is the sort of book that inspires you to get in touch with your MP. It is elegantly written, at times overwhelming and depressing, but generally urgent and persuasive. Informed citizens of our watery planet should read it -- Brian Schofield * Sunday Times *At the heart of this book is a deep love of the ocean and a profound concern for its viability as a resource for us all ... A story told with both scientific accuracy and narrative skill ... Roberts's clear, well-written accounts give us access to vast amounts of scientific information ... each chapter is edged with fascinating details about the life of the sea -- Stephen R Palumbi * Nature *The urgency of Callum Roberts' message - that we have very little time to save the oceanic environment on which our existence depends - is in no way undermined by the entertaining and brilliantly-written nature of his writing. This is simply a fascinating book, taking in everything from the elemental formations of the oceans to the denizens that inhabit them; from minute plankton to the great whales - and everything that threatens them, and us. Roberts imparts his vast knowledge with a consummate talent for colourful narrative and devastating facts. His book will be required reading for anyone who cares about the oceans - not least because, as well as underlining the scale of the problems, he offers us the hope of real solutions -- Philip Hoare, author of 'Leviathan or, The Whale'Ocean of Life is an excellent and engrossing work. Mr. Roberts, a British professor of marine conservation, has corralled an astonishing collection of scientific discovery ... I hope a great many people-particularly those in that undecided middle-read this book -- G. Bruce Knecht * Wall Street Journal *Callum Roberts has done it again. From showing us the past with the wisdom of a Dickens character in his earlier book, he now leads us toward the future in The Ocean of Life. It's a book so fine, I wish I'd written it! -- Carl Safina, author of 'Song for the Blue Ocean' and 'The View From Lazy Point' * - *An engrossing survey of the relationship between man and the sea for readers living through the greatest environmental changes in 65 million years ... Roberts's meditation will have readers gasping aloud with wonder, even as the sobering truth of humans' profound interdependence with the sea provokes concern -- Starred review * Publisher's Weekly *An impressive history of the oceans ... one of this book's strengths is the many solutions Roberts outlines to reverse the dismal state of the seas -- Pilita Clark * Financial Times *There is a dearth of good and comprehensive books on a subject that can seem too complicated and depressing for any single tome. Callum Roberts has now provided one ... there is no quibbling with the evidence of marine horrors that Mr Roberts presents * The Economist *It's probably a bit too soon to start talking about candidates for books of the year. But Callum Roberts' latest offering should already be considered a strong contender. Roberts is that precious pearl: a practising scientist who not only knows his field inside out, but also understands how to write compelling, persuasive non-fiction -- Leo Hickman * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Princeton is known for the high quality of its book production and this offering is no exception – the picture quality, especially, is spectacular. This book is a must for UK nudibranch divers."---Steve Weinman, Divernet"A fine book which will no doubt become the invaluable companion of divers, underwater photographers, and naturalists exploring coastal waters. I doubt they'll leave home without it."---David M. Gascoigne, Travels With Birds"This guide is a very welcome addition to my bookshelf/dive crate. Whether you are relatively new to nudibranch spotting, photographing and recording, or have been an enthusiast for many years, this guidebook is going to really help support you with identification."---Kate Lock, Porcupine Marine Natural History Society

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Book SynopsisA patterned picture book about a family outing to the beach. The children are delighted when they spot seagulls, an ice-cream van, sand and even what they believe to be the sea, but are they at the beach yet? Lisa Smith''s illustrations capture the children''s excitement as they wait impatiently for their journey to end.Red A/Band 2A books offer predictable text with familiar objects and actions, combined with simple story development.Text type A story with predictable structure and patterned language.Pages 14 and 15 show a labelled beach scene, incorporating the key words from the text, and providing an opportunity to recount the text.This story is paired with a non-fiction book on the same theme: Shapes on the Seashore by Frances Ridley.This book has been levelled for Reading Recovery

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Book SynopsisDive into the fascinating world of coastal wildlife with this holiday pocket guide. Featuring 40 beautifully illustrated pebbles, shells, crabs, small sea creatures and more, discover more about life between the tides with The Little Guide to Shorelines. Each entry has been delicately illustrated by printmaker Tom Frost to capture its individual characteristics, and is accompanied by associated facts and fables. There is also an interactive spotter's guide at the back, where you can check off what you find. This informative, practical and beautiful guide is part of a new nature series designed to encourage creativity through exploring the outdoors. An activity for adults and children alike, enjoy The Little Guide to Shorelines on your next trip to the sea.

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Book SynopsisA unique environment created by the confluence of three oceanic, climatic zones, the Welsh coast and its waters teem with life and diversity, documented as never before. From seals and seabirds gathered along the celebrated coastline to species found in the depths of the Celtic Sea, along with the behind-the-scenes challenges and triumphs of this landmark TV series.

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Book SynopsisThe warm tropical waters and coral reefs teeming with fish mean that Seychelles is a hugely popular diving destination. The waters that surround Seychelles are home to over 1,000 species of fish and 300 species of coral. The islands are visited by giant Whale Sharks and manta rays, and are home to the critically endangered Hawksbill and Green Sea Turtles. Divided into three parts, the book provides a general introduction to diving and snorkelling in Seychelles including what to expect and where to base yourself; a guide to the best sites for diving and snorkelling; and a photographic identification to 280 of the most common species of marine life covering fish, invertebrates, corals and megafauna. For all those who plan to spend time in or on the waters of the inner islands of Seychelles, this is the perfect, pocket-sized guide. The taxonomy of some fish species has been updated for the second edition.

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Book SynopsisTake a deep dive into the meaning and magic of the ocean’s diverse and colorful treasures with The Wonder of Seashells.This book is a treasury of stories, science, and history about seashells. Sure to delight and surprise, this visual odyssey of the beauty of seashells reveals how shells enhance and inform the world around us. Exploring coasts and shells from across the globe, each unique shell will suddenly become familiar with The Wonder of Seashell’s beautiful illustrations and fascinating insights. Full of realistic watercolor illustrations, The Wonder of Seashells delivers illuminating facts about seashells that are often overlooked. In this book, you’ll find: Common varieties of shells throughout the world and their spiritual meanings The seashell’s role in the world of sea life and the ocean’s ecosystems The significance of their patterns and colors Seashells in history as forms of currency, art, and musical instruments Seashell symbolism and cultural significance in different communities around the world Seashells as sources of intuition and their connection to the spirit world And much more! Perfect for the coastal home or the passionate beach enthusiast, The Wonder of Seashells serves as a showpiece and a captivating reference to the sea’s treasures. Discover the beauty and significance of seashells on the sandy shores and in the deep blue sea.

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Book SynopsisTold through a series of walks beside the sea, this is a story of the most beautiful 742 miles of coastline in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: their rocks, plants and animals, their views, walks and history, and the people who have made their lives within sight of the waves. As he travels along coastal paths, visits beaches and explores coves, Barkham reflects on the long campaign to protect our shoreline from tidal erosion and human damage and weaves together fascinating tales about every aspect of the coast - from ancient conquests and smuggler's routes, to exotic migratory birds and bucket-and-spade holidays - to tell a more profound story about our island nation and the way we are shaped by our shores.

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Book SynopsisBecome immersed in the splendour of the sea with this alluring collection of stickers.Page after page of this book is packed with vintage drawings of coral, fish, and shells that portray the beauty of the ocean and the simple pleasures of a day at the beach.Get creative! Adorn your personal items with more than a thousand images of marine life, create gorgeous artwork and stationery, or simply enjoy this book as an exquisite keepsake.

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Book SynopsisThe definitive guide to the underwater life of the Red Sea region, home to the richest and most varied dive sites in the world.Visited by over a quarter of a million divers a year the Red Sea is home to many of the world''s most popular dive sites.Covering jellyfish, corals, nudibranchs, starfish, sea urchins, fishes and turtles, Coral Reef Guide Red Sea covers all common species of underwater life of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, you are likely to see while diving or snorkelling.Each species is illustrated with a full-colour photograph and the text gives details of range and characteristic behaviour. Different species groups are represented by icons for easy reference and an illustration of the juvenile may also be included.A map of good dive sites appears on the inside front cover, while the inside back cover features illustrations of a number of common species for quick and easy identification.

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Book SynopsisA heartfelt hymn to the sea and an unforgettable introduction to one of the most gifted nature writers of the new generation The seas cover over two thirds of our planet and yet most of us live our lives on land, creatures of a different element, at once fascinated and terrified by the beauty and power of these great bodies of water. There are some, though, who go to sea, who get to know its many moods -- the tranquil and mirror-like, the raging and ripple-swept -- and who bring back with them their stories of wonder and warning. Hannah Stowe is one such sea-goer and one such storyteller. Drawing on her expertise as a marine biologist and sailor, and her experiences in the North Sea, the North Atlantic, the Mediterranean, the North Sea, the Celtic Sea, and the Caribbean, Move Like Water is an exploration of the human relationship with the sea, the powerful impression it has made on our culture, and the terrible damage we have inflicted upon its ecosystems. In shimmering, fluid prose, Stowe introduces us to five keystone marine creatures - the sperm whale, the humpback whale, the orca, the albatross and the firecrow - encouraging us to fall in love with the seas as she has, to appreciate their majesty and their vulnerability.Trade ReviewElegant, enthralling... There are plenty of books about the sea, but few, if any, have the lyrical, almost visceral intensity of this one... Stowe's shimmering prose - and her exquisite line drawings - make us feel the majesty of the sea and its creatures. It also reveals their terrifying vulnerability * Daily Mail *Above all a sensuous book, more felt than described, more described than explained, more painted than penned: part memoir, part journal and - with each chapter named for a creature the author encountered either in real life or in dreams - part natural mystery tour * New York Times Book Review *A haunting evocation of [the sea's] power and beauty, and an exploration of its wildlife... [Stowe's] prose is beautiful, conjuring the storybook setting of her upbringing, the salt spray of the sea and the wonder of travelling alongside whales and sea birds while also imparting scientific knowledge * Western Mail *A briny love story... Stowe wistfully explores the mysteries of water as she navigates the sometimes turbulent, often rousing flow of her life * Booklist *Stirring... Fascinating... Unforgettable... Stowe immerses readers in the sights, sounds, and rhythms of the ocean in her spellbinding debut -- Starred review * Publishers Weekly *Exquisite in its intelligence and boundless in the fetch of its wave -- Jay GriffithsThe shelves are awash with sea books. But Stowe is different. She doesn't just watch and describe the sea; she's part of it. It surges inside her and crashes out onto the page. The book's drenched with salt water. It fizzes, clicks, booms and screams. Tremendous -- Charles Foster, author of Cry of the Wild and A Little Brown SeaInspiring... Hannah Stowe recounts her lifelong love affair with the sea and illuminates the complexities of our relationship with ocean ecosystems... An urgent call to address the damage we're doing to the oceans, and a siren song to the beauty and power of the sea -- Lulah Ellender, author of GroundingLet Hannah's captivating prose transport you on a journey across the waves, feeling the wind and salt on your skin, and always watching out for the tantalising glimpse of a whale. You will be enthralled by her personal story, invigorated by her energy and determination, and persuaded to think deeply about the ocean, its living treasures and the human troubles they face -- Dr Helen Scales, author of The Brilliant Abyss and Scientists in the Wild: GalápagosThis is [Stowe's] personal, poetic and heartfelt story, sharing the lessons the sea has taught her * BBC Wildlife magazine *A gem of a book - a must-read for anyone interested in the sea or marine life, and highly recommended for those who enjoy top-notch memoirs. Stowe's exquisite prose makes this a book to be savored * Bookbrowse *This is Stowe's love letter to the sea -- Best Nonfiction Book of September * Book Riot *Beautifully evocative, Stowe's memoir captures the emotional and physical pull of open waters in a visceral and compelling way. A book that can be read on many levels- memoir, a natural history guide, a call to care-with it's strength in the intersection of all. If you love oceans, women explorers and artists, or just a book to challenge your mind and soul, this one is for you * Southern Bookseller *Not only do readers get to spend time sailing the North Sea, North Atlantic, Mediterranean, Celtic Sea, and the Caribbean in this memoir, but they are led by the rhythmic prose of a deeply invested and poetic marine biologist. Great for people who love marine animals too! -- Most Anticipated Books of Fall 2023 * Independent Book Review *

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Book SynopsisMake a splash at your next card game by swapping your standard card deck with the most spectacular animals from the world's oceans set of playing cards.52 CARD DECK - The interesting Ocean cards follow the same style as a standard card deck with 52 cards in 4 suits meaning they can be used in the same way.FUN, COLOURFUL ILLUSTRATIONS: Focusing on illustrations of ocean mammals, fish, molluscs and more, plus two jokers, Holly Exley an illustrator and watercolour enthusiast, based in Derbyshire has capturing the life of the oceans so graciously.BOOKLET INCLUDED: Discover fascinating facts about all 54 ocean mammals, fish, molluscs and more in the accompanying booklet.EASY HANDLING: The cards will not crack or bend when shuffled or flexed due to their 300gsm weight. Held within a box these cards are perfect for taking anywhere on the go.GIFTS: With a tremendous interest in ocean, the playing cards make the perfect gift for any card or ocean enthusiast within all age ranges.The cards showcase familiar favourites like the clownfish and bottlenose dolphin to the formidable fangtooth and wonderfully weird Christmas tree worm, these colourful creatures will make waves in any game.After playing your hand, discover fascinating facts about all 54 animals in the accompanying booklet.Other Laurence King Publishing titles included in the Ocean series include I Saw It First! Ocean and Ocean Bingo

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The biggest-ever selection of first-hand accounts and news reports of shark attacks, both recent and historical, shows how sharks are masters of the ocean and how we enter their domain at our own risk. Think you're safe in the Med? Read about the Great Whites that thrive near holiday beaches. Think you're safe in large groups? Read about the sinking of the USS Indianapolis in 1945 when hundreds of sailors floated for days in shark-infested waters, being picked off one-by-one. Think you're safe at home? Read about the 69-year-old man, taking his regular evening swim, jumping off his backyard dock straight into the mouth of a bull shark. Many more extraordinary and gruesome accounts, including the shark-boat skipper who slit open the belly of a 360-kg tiger shark only to have a human head, pelvis, and arm come tumbling out, provide horrific and moving tales of shark encounters. The courage of survivors and those who have risked their lives to save shark attack victims is truly inspirational. Where can you find sharks? Features on different shark species with illustrations, fact boxes and maps show where they lurk around the world. Also included are a selection of full-colour photographs and special sections on the life cycle of a shark, how to avoid a shark attack and how to survive one.

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Book SynopsisHow often have you visited the seashore and wished you knew more about the diverse and alien wildlife found on the UK''s coastline? There are incredible stories to discover about our coastal species so if the tantalising glimpses you''ve caught of this semi-aquatic environment between the tides has left you curious to learn more, the RSPB Handbook of the Seashore is for you.It will help you to easily identify and learn about the life cycles and anatomy of the species you discover, and features useful sections on the tidal cycle, how to read tide tables, where to look, conservation and climate change concerns, and who to call should you come across something unexpected on your next beach visit.Featuring over 200 species accounts - each with a photo, full description, and details of distribution and zonation - this brand new guide is written throughout in engaging text suitable for families, students and anyone who loves to visit the seashore.Trade ReviewWe often spend time browsing the rock pools at our local beach, but since discovering this book we can now have a stab at properly identifying what we find, and this has added a new element of interest and excitement to our beach trips. * Whattodowithkids.co.uk *The perfect accompaniment for an afternoon's rock pooling. Introduce your grandchildren to a host of beachy mini-beasts this summer with a truly wholesome hobby. * Yours *Perfect for exploring rock pools with kids. -- Jane Lovatt * Prima *An excellent introduction. This is an inspirational call to action, which has made me get out and start rockpooling again! * BBC Wildlife *A superb book and thoroughly recommended for beachcombers of whatever age. * Highland News Group *...stuffed full of information to help readers. * Welsh Coastal Life *...as important an accompaniment on a trip to the coast as a bucket and spade. * Scottish Sunday Express *Table of ContentsForeword By The RSPB Preface Introduction Seaweeds Flowering Plants Sponges Cnidarians Marine Worms Molluscs Crustaceans Sea Spiders Bryozoans Echinoderms Sea Squirts Seashore Fish The Strandline Glossary Further Reading Useful Websites Author Acknowledgements Index Photographic Credits

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Book Synopsis“You might not expect unfettered passion on the topic of seaweed, but Shetterly is such a great storyteller that you find yourself following along eagerly.” —Mark Kurlansky “Seaweed is ancient and basic, a testament to the tenacious beginnings of life on earth,” writes Susan Hand Shetterly in this elegant, fascinating book. “Why wouldn’t seaweeds be a protean life source for the lives that have evolved since?” On a planet facing environmental change and diminishing natural resources, seaweed is increasingly important as a source of food and as a fundamental part of our global ecosystem. In Seaweed Chronicles, Shetterly takes readers deep into the world of this essential organism by providing an immersive, often poetic look at life on the rugged shores of her beloved Gulf of Maine, where the growth and harvesting of seaweed is becoming a major industry. While examining the life cycle of seaweed and its place in the environment, she tells the stories of the men and women who farm and harvest it—and who are fighting to protect this critical species against forces both natural and man-made. Ideal for readers of such books as The Hidden Life of Trees and How to Read Water, Seaweed Chronicles is a deeply informative look at a little understood and too often unappreciated part of our habitat.

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Book SynopsisThis beautiful compendium of words, images and artworks is your indispensable companion for a trip to the seaside. ‘When I sit here by the sea and listen to the sound of waves, I feel free from all the obligations and people of the world.’ Henry David Thoreau Around 15 million holidays are taken by the seaside in the UK alone, and nearly all of us are drawn to the tranquil allure of the deep ocean. The sea calms and soothes us, and scientific research even seems to indicate that being near water can decrease stress and anxiety, while increasing overall wellbeing and happiness. This beautiful collection of inspiring quotations and stunning photography will delight the avid sunseeker and armchair traveller alike. Whether you are on holiday, planning time away, or simply want to enjoy the lulling influence of the sea, Seaside Inspirations is a rich source of peace, wisdom, calmness and tranquillity.

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Book SynopsisWith fossil records dating back 400 million years, sharks have outlived the dinosaurs and many other forms of life currently on earth – they are even older than trees. There are more than 1,000 species of sharks and rays, with new species discovered every year. Through their evolution, sharks have shaped our oceans into the rich habitats we know today. As apex predators, sharks play an important role in the ecosystem by maintaining the species below them in the food chain – helping remove the weak and sick, and keeping the ocean and fish populations healthy. Other deadly predators of the deep – such as the box jellyfish, lionfish and giant octopus – are also to be feared. Did you know the Stonefish is the most venomous fish species to swim in our oceans? Better not get too close – it has 13 dorsal fin spines that release deadly toxins when the fish gets into threatening situations. Learn about the dwarf lantern shark, which is so small it can fit in the palm of your hand; or the whale shark, which grow up to 12 metres (40ft) in length and is the largest known fish species in the oceans today; or the great white shark, the oceans’ top predator and capable of chewing up dolphins and seals with its 300 teeth. With full captions explaining the different species, behaviour and feeding habits, Sharks & Underwater Predators is a lively examination of these elemental killers in more than 180 vivid photographs.Table of ContentsContents to include:Introduction1: Galean SharksCarcharhiniformes: Hammerhead shark, tiger shark, blue shark, bull shark, blacktip reef shark, lemon shark, dusky sharkHeterodontiformes: horn shark, Galapagos bullhead sharkHexanchiformes: Frilled shark, broadnose sevengill/cow, bluntnose six gillLamniformes: great white, basking, shortfin mako, porbeagle, goblin, thresher2: Dogfish and Carpet SharksOrectolobiformes: wobbegong, zebra, epaulette, nurse, whalePristiophoriformes: bahamas sawshark and longnose sawsharkSqualiformes: cookiecutter, greenland, spined pygmy, spiny dogfishSqantiniformes: Japanese angel and pacific angel3: Rays and SkatesSkates and rays are very closely related to sharks. They're flatter in shape, which makes them well suited for life on the sea-floor. Their mouth, nostrils and gills are located on the underside of their body. While their eyes are on top.4: Other PredatorsBox jellyfish, great barracuda, lionfish, sarcastic fringhead, stonefish, Sailfish, anemones, tuna, octopus, squid, crabs, lobsters, mantis shrimps5: Marine Mammal HuntersWhales, dolphins, walrus, otters, polar bears

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Book SynopsisA riveting new exploration of the octopus from the world-leading scientific expert. For fans of Netflix's 'My Octopus Teacher' and Other Minds by Peter Godfrey-Smith.'Enchanting.' MAIL ON SUNDAY'Abounds with wonders.' KATHLEEN JAMIE, NEW STATESMAN'Brings the world of the octopus vividly alive... a sense of what it might be like to live in their skins.' FINANCIAL TIMES'The deepest of octopus books.' PETER GODFREY-SMITHAS HEARD ON BBC RADIO 4'S TODAY PROGRAMME_________________What is it like to be an octopus?The octopus is a highly intelligent and deeply mysterious creature. It can change colour as quickly as it can move, 'think' with its tentacles and communicate in sophisticated ways.Marine biologist David Scheel's lifelong preoccupation with these animals has led to a career of groundbreaking research, from finding previously unknown species to the discovery of signaling communication. In Many Things Under a Rock, Scheel shares his deep scientific understanding of octopuses and recounts his intrepid adventures with these mysterious, charismatic creatures.He investigates four major mysteries about octopuses: what can we know about such elusive and camouflaged creatures? Why are they so extraordinarily resilient? How do their bodies work? And what kind of relationships do they have? In unravelling these mysteries, Dr Scheel shows octopuses to be complex emotional beings and reveals what they can teach us about ourselves.Trade Review"Scheel brings the world of the octopus vividly alive. The best nature books do not just describe animals: they give us a sense of what it might be like to shape-shift ourselves and live in their skins." * Financial Times *Fascinating. Scheel's unique perspective on these animals makes this the deepest of octopus books. * Peter Godfrey-Smith, author of Other Minds *David Scheel's astonishing observations make him one of the most important octopus ethologists working today. He is also, fortunately for us, a sensitive and lyrical writer, bringing knowledge and stories from native cultures to bear on the science he describes. I was agog at some of his accounts: severed arms wincing with pain; octopuses throwing things at each other; and octopuses seemingly standing sentinel over their octopus neighbourhoods. This book is mind-blowing and soul-expanding. You'll be thinking and talking about Many Things Under a Rock for a long time. * Sy Montgomery, author of The Soul of an Octopus *Enchanting... This is just one of the fascinating factoids that marine biologist David Scheel shares with us in this clever book, based on his 25 years as one of the leading octopus researchers in the world... It is enough to melt the stoniest of hearts. * Mail on Sunday *Octopuses are deeply, gloriously weird... The book abounds with wonders. -- Kathleen Jamie * New Statesman *Scheel offers fascinating glimpses of octopus life [...] that may thrill and surprise even those of us who have read The Soul of an Octopus or watched My Octopus Teacher... excellent. * Times Literary Supplement *Scheel has been studying cephalopods for 25 years. His fascination is infectious in Many Things Under a Rock, which sets out to address an interesting question: what is it like to be an octopus? ... How wonderfully weird and weirdly human. * Sunday Times *

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Book Synopsis“The sea is as near as we come to another world.” —Anne Stevenson This book celebrates oceans, coasts and shorelines the world over. Bringing together incredible stories and legends of the sea, delicious recipes and activities inspired by the coast, and fascinating trivia on everything from marine exploration to the turning tides, it will captivate anyone who is enthralled by the wonder of the sea.Learn about sea creatures, such as turtles, jellyfish, whales, sharks, and dolphins Dish up delicious recipes and drinks, such as seafood paella, potted shrimp, halloumi kebabs, and mint iced tea Get creative with crafts, such as driftwood art, seashell art, and building your own raftThe Sea is beautiful and practical, delivering lessons on maritime history, coastline formations and features, famous lighthouses and shipwrecks, and myths and legends of the ocean while also offering do-it-yourself projects and encourageme

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Book SynopsisUnder the Sea-Wind marks the beginnings of one of the most significant careers in nature writing. In it Rachel Carson celebrates the mystery and beauty of birds and sea creatures in their natural habitat, conjuring the atmosphere of the shore and the open sea and the delicately balanced, fragile struggle for life along the shoreline.Trade ReviewThe timely reissue of a classic maritime trilogy shows that the "poet of the oceans" was far ahead of her time . . . What's striking is that Carson is a keen observer of the interconnectedness of things . . . Her sea series is not only fascinating for those with an interest in the prehistory of Silent Spring. There is much to marvel at in these pages * * Herald * *Rachel Carson was one of the reasons why I became so conscious of the environment and so involved with environmental issues . . . Her picture hangs on my office wall among those of political leaders, presidents and prime ministers. It has been there for years, and it belongs there. Carson has had as much or more an effect on me than any of them, and perhaps all of them together -- AL GOREPraise for the Sea trilogy: This combination of science and scintillating prose provides fascinating insights into the mysteries of the tides . . . a masterpiece of ecological writing * * Guardian * *Rereading her natural histories, what stands out is how beautiful the writing is. Carson combined a scientist's ability to see with a novelist's ability to imagine * * New Yorker * *[Carson] is the poet laureate of the sea, but also of that "web of life", in which everything is connected to everything else * * London Review of Books * *Praise for Silent Spring: Brilliantly written: clear, controlled and authoritative . . . one of the most effective books ever written . . . the impact is, in all senses, stunning * * Guardian * *Much of what Carson wrote to great controversy is now conventional wisdom. To read Silent Spring now is in part to understand how we got to where we are * * Wall Street Journal * *

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Book Synopsis'What a fun book! Reading Sea Fever is enticing and intriguing, like watching floating treasure bob past your nose.' Tristan Gooley, author of The Natural Navigator Can you interpret the shipping forecast? Do you know your flotsam from your jetsam? Or who owns the foreshore? Can you tie a half-hitch - or would you rather splice the mainbrace? Full of charming illustrations and surprising facts, Sea Fever provides the answers to all these and more. Mixing advice on everything from seasickness to righting a capsized boat with arcane marine lore, recipes, history, dramatic stories of daring-do and guides to the wildlife we share our shores with, even the most experienced ocean-dweller will find something in these pages to surprise and delight.Trade ReviewWhat a fun book! Reading Sea Fever is enticing and intriguing, like watching floating treasure bob past your nose. * Tristan Gooley, author of The Natural Navigator *Once you've read it, you'll never feel like a landlubber again. * Carlisle Living *

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Book SynopsisJellyfish are, like the mythical Medusa, both beautiful and potentially dangerous. Found from pole to tropic, these mesmeric creatures form an important part of the sea’s plankton and vary in size from the gigantic to the minute. Perceived as alien creatures and seen as best avoided, jellyfish nevertheless have the power to fascinate: with the sheer beauty of their translucent bells and long, trailing tentacles; with a mouth that doubles as an anus; and without a head or brain. Drawing upon myth and historical sources as well as modern scientific advances, this book examines our ambiguous relationship with these ancient and yet ill-understood animals, describing their surprisingly complex anatomy, weaponry and habits, and their vital contribution to the ocean’s ecosystem.Trade Review“Engaging and handsomely illustrated. . . . Enduring they may be; endearing they are not. Toy jellyfish, after all, are few and far between. ‘Octopuses, yes,’ Williams ruefully acknowledges, but ‘very, very few jellyfish.’ They are too toxic and they look too weird. But, he argues persuasively, if they are ineligible for affection, they at least deserve humanity’s respect.” * Economist *"Combing through history, art, and science, Williams tells stories proving that these graceful watery creatures deserve our appreciation even while they elude our understanding." -- Mary P. Winsor, IHPST, University of TorontoTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 A Lineage of Uncertainty 2 Toxic but Fascinating 3 Floats, Eyes and Combs 4 The Illustrator's Nightmare 5 Jellyfish Culture 6 Light, Death and Immortality 7 World Domination Timeline Appendix 1: A Brief Description of Individual Species of Jellyfish Mentioned in the Text Appendix 2: Where to see Jellyfish in Captivity References Select Bibliography Associations, Websites and Apps Acknowledgements Photo Acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisSeashores - An Ecological Guide provides an easy-to-use, authoritative reference to commonly occurring organisms. By looking at the habitats of the coastline, it focuses on key species you are likely to find. The book explains how these organisms have adapted and how they are able to cope with the environmental stresses of the seashore. With over 400 colour photographs, the guide looks first at the physical and biological features that determine our coast before surveying the variety of communities that exist on our shores. These include: rocky shores; sand and mud; estuaries; salt-marsh; sand dunes; shingle and plankton.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Charles Sheppard’s Coral Reefs: A Natural History not only explains what corals are and how they live, but reveals through exquisite photography the glories of the reef at all scales."---Tim Flannery, The New York Review of Books"In his gorgeous book, Life Sciences, professor Charles Sheppard celebrates the beauty of coral reefs and their dependants – ‘a wriggling tapestry of colour’ – while also warning of the threat to the reefs’ existence from ocean warming, pollution and soaring populations." * Daily Mail *"Stunningly beautiful . . . . I will never look at a coral reef in the same way again and will marveleven more at their beauty and complexity."---Daria Blackwell, Flying Fish"The book covers the huge list of dangers that reefs face today and how people are working to protect them. It looks at artificial reef structures and the marine life that lives on them. There are chapters on reef fish and sharks and how the diverse species living on the reefs interact. . . . I will never look at a coral reef in the same way again and will marvel even more at their beauty and complexity."---Caroline Robertson-Brown, Scubaverse"This excellent book, by Charles Sheppard, a foremost author of academic, popular and educational books on coral reefs, reflects a lifetime studying and enjoying these ecosystems. . . . I recommend that, in addition, to getting your own copy, you give the book to budding (and experienced) marine biologists."---Mike Elliott, The Marine Biologist"The beauty of this type of book is it can be dipped into at any stage because of the nature of the mini chapters. This book will obviously appeal to marine biologists and divers but as a general guide to coral reefs biology, flora and fauna and how the crucial impact of climate change will impact on them, then it will also appeal to all readers with an interest in general natural history. Highly recommended."---Roy Stewart, British Naturalists Association"[Though] it is full of accurate facts, it is also simply interesting to read! Each page gives equal space to descriptive prose and beautiful photos, so the reader doesn’t get overwhelmed with either."---Karla S. Fuller, The American Biology Teacher

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