Description
Book Synopsis"A remarkable mixture of photos and writing. … An important work well done." —Fabien Cousteau
Marine algae are the supreme eco-engineers of life: they oxygenate the waters, create habitat for countless other organisms, and form the base of a food chain that keeps our planet unique in the universe as we know it. In this beautiful volume Josie Iselin explores both the artistic and the biological presence of sixteen seaweeds and kelps that live in the thin region where the Pacific Ocean converges with the North American continent—a place of incomparable richness. Each species receives a detailed description of its structure, ecological importance, and humans’ scientific inquiry into it, told in scientifically illuminating yet deeply reverent and inspired prose. Throughout the writings are historical botanical illustrations and Iselin’s signature, Marimekko-like portraits of each specimen that reveal their vibrant colors—whether rosy, "olivaceous," or grass-green—and whimsical shapes. Iselin posits that we can learn not only about the seaweeds but also from them: their resilience, their resourcefulness, their poetry and magic.
Trade Review"A mesmerizing swim through a liminal world." —Barbara Kiser, Nature
"A remarkable mixture of photos and writing. … An important work well done." —Fabien Cousteau, ocean explorer, documentary filmmaker, and grandson of Jacques Cousteau
"Who knew seaweed portraiture could probe the deepest mysteries of existence? Josie Iselin's wonderful new book explores a world just below the surface. One wonder is that seaweed performs such a vital role in the ecosystem, literally helping power life on Earth. Another wonder is its shape-shifting colors and crazy symmetries, which Iselin's singular photography pops to life. Her text puts seaweed in a historical framework full of surprising stories. The result is an adventure through art, science, and pure pleasure." —Mary Ellen Hannibal, author of Citizen Scientist
Table of ContentsContents
Introduction
Note on Illustrations
Egregia menziesii - Feather Boa Kelp
Nereocystis luetkeana - Bull Kelp
Stephanocystis osmundacea - Bladder Chain Wrack
Mazzaella splendens - Rainbow Leaf
Corallina vancouveriensis - Red Coralline Algae
Agarum - spp. Colander Kelp
Pyropia - spp. Nori
Postelsia palmaeformis - Sea Palm
Macrocystis pyrifera - Giant Kelp
Codium fragile - Dead Man's Fingers
Ulva - spp. Sea Lettuce
Phyllospadix scouleri and Zostera marina - Surfgrass and Eelgrass
Desmarestia herbacea - Acid Kelp
Halosaccion glandiforme and Botryocladia pseudodichotoma - Sea Sacs and Sea Grapes
Weeksia reticulata, Pterygophora californica - Walking Kelp
Afterword
Acknowledgments
Bibliography and Sources
About the Author
