The Secret Life Of Clams: The Mysteries And Magic Of Our Favorite Shellfish Download Free (EPUB, PDF)
Get up close and personal with an amazing creature that has invaded our lexicon as well as our restaurants.It breathes with tubes, it has no head or brain, it feeds through a filter, and it is the source of dozens of familiar proverbs (“happy as a clam!”). Clams, it turns out, have been worshipped (by the Moche people of ancient Peru), used as money (by the Algonquin Indians), and consumed by people for thousands of years. Yet The Secret Life of Clams is the first adult trade book to deal exclusively with this gastronomic treat that is more complex than its simple two shells might reveal. The Secret Life of Clams features compelling insights, captivating biology, wry observations, and up-to-the-minute natural history that will keep readers engaged and enthralled.Written by award-winning science author Anthony D. Fredericks, The Secret Life of Clams includes a comfortable infusion of humor, up-to-date research, fascinating individuals (scientists and laypeople alike), and the awe of a fellow explorer as he guides readers on a journey of wonder and adventure. Along with an appreciation for oceanic creatures, this is a guidebook for armchair marine biologists everywhere who seek amazing discoveries in concert with compelling narration.
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing; 1St Edition edition (November 18, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1629146978
ISBN-13: 978-1629146973
Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 6.5 x 9.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #1,056,555 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #70 in Books > Science & Math > Biological Sciences > Animals > Seashells #115 in Books > Science & Math > Biological Sciences > Zoology > Invertebrates #347 in Books > Cookbooks, Food & Wine > Cooking by Ingredient > Fish & Seafood
They don't have enough secrets to warrant this much attention. Very shellfish little critters, too! Geoducks could hold one's interest of an evening, though. A significant section of the book (about 30 pages), is all about acquiring clams, cleaning clams, and cooking clams.
This is a wonderful book! During our summer vacations to the beach, my Grandchildren and I spend hours exploring and examining what washes up with each wave. This book by Dr. Fredericks provides information on the clams in a format that is interesting and informative. The Fast Facts build interest, offer essential information, and can provide key points for discussion and review. I am anxious to make it part of our beach study next summer. As a teacher, I see this as the type of resource that can serve as the basis for a high-impact, student-centered unit of study on the clam. I highly recommend this book!
I admit that I may not have picked it up if not for a slow day at the beach, but the author somehow succeeds in writing an entertaining book about clams. He strikes an amiable balance between information and humour, even if he often sounds like a long-winded uncle sharing corny stories at a kitchen party. Everything from biology to pop culture references is covered. Who knew “Do the Clam” was among Elvis’s oeuvre?The subtitle captures what passes for the ironic, unifying theme: how the humble clam is more virtuous than “that other shellfish”. Tips on how to dig your own and recipes are included, and if that’s not happening there’s a list of recommended clam shacks and festivals. For those whose attention span is challenged by the meandering, folksy prose, Fast Facts are sprinkled throughout in popup boxes. The whole package radiates the sentimental warmth of a clambake!
The author reminds me of a fantastic geology professor I had many years ago. He was always able to make a dull subject interesting. We students looked forward to the classes (and the field trips). This book is just right; not too long, not too short, not too scientific, not too easy, with interesting stories, jokes, recipes, art and diagrams. If you love the ocean, you will love this book.
I am a schoolteacher in Virginia and I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Fredericks' book on horseshoe crabs and used it extensively as a resource in my classroom. I plan to do the same with this book! Both books are educational, entertaining and enjoyable. He writes with an obvious love for his subject and the ability to communicate science and history with a refreshingly engaging enthusiasm.
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