Shells
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Simply the most astonishing book on shells ever published. Jacques Senders is a malacologist whose work allows him the opportunity to collect rare shells from all over the world. Shells presents his beautiful collection to the public for the first time through the stunning photographs of Paul Starosta and the expert commentary of other malacology professionals. Together, they have created a gorgeous and loving study of exquisite creations from the world's oceans. Shells surveys the history of shells and examines their connection with nature, art, architecture and other disciplines. It includes the latest research, and conveys the joys of collecting shells. Paul Starosta's remarkable photographs bring the reader close to the shells' transparent colors and intricate shapes. From Aristotle, to the explorers who created the first collections, to today's researchers and collectors, Shells offers a beautiful and comprehensive look at a fascinating subject. Beachcombers pick up shells and contemplate them. Scientists find them curious and extraordinarily beautiful. Shells are treasures to all humankind, and this book is an elegant tribute to our affectionate relationship with them. Among the book's highlights: How shells are formed Shells as the object of admiration, curiosity and scientific investigation How humans have utilized shells The origins of shells' names The science of mollusks, their lives and characteristics The different families of mollusks.

Hardcover: 384 pages

Publisher: Firefly Books; annotated edition edition (September 14, 2007)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1554073219

ISBN-13: 978-1554073214

Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 1.4 x 13.8 inches

Shipping Weight: 7 pounds

Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #792,355 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #53 in Books > Science & Math > Biological Sciences > Animals > Seashells #1136 in Books > Science & Math > Nature & Ecology > Oceans & Seas #5116 in Books > Science & Math > Nature & Ecology > Fauna

I was extremely pleased with my purchase of this book. I did a lot of research before I bought it trying to find a book with the biggest, clearest pictures, and the widest array of subjects. I got exactly what I was hoping for. There are shells in this book that look like the inventions of a mad artist - things I would not have believed could exist. The photographs are very large - many times the size of the shells. It's a gorgeous book - I have spent, and will spend many hours poring over it.I've noticed that many people fault nature photography books for not having field guide style information, with full identification of each subject's species etc. If you want that, this is not the book for you. You will probably not even remember to look for such information, because the photographs are so consuming.

Wonderfully photographed and organized in a logical manner, Shells by Paul Starosta and Jacques Senders is a wonderful book to read. Many of the shells are lit in such a way that interior details are easy to see.Each photograph is accompanied by some details of each type of shell. I appreciated the inclusion of whether the shell was rare, difficult to find, etc. Also whether the shell could be found on the beach or at depth.Very informative.This is another book from Firefly Books. I must say that if there is a better company at producing large format books I'm not aware of who they are.

Great shell photography and interesting information on shells. A good addition to a nature library and a good coffee table book. Beautiful !!!

Absolutely gorgeous! The most sumptuous book on seashells I have ever seen. A must for anyone who loves seashells, the ocean, nature and beauty. A keepsake, a little treasure.

The photography in this book is spectacular. Many of the pictures have a crisp, deep black background which really makes the shells pop. I actually bought two of these books, I put one on my coffee table and took select photos from the others and framed them to create a stunning series for my wall. Enjoy this book!

This is a wonderful "coffee table" book, with an extensive collection of beautifully crafted photographs of shells, and some elements of history. The colors are richly rendered, and though there was a possible printer's fault of a thin horizontal line across some of the full color plates, this book is a delightful presentation. No cute stories, no pictures of kids on the beach... just the beauty of these natural jewels and constructions.

although beautiful,these are very common shells seen at common angles...I was hoping for rare unique shells and interesting cropping

Many beautiful photos. But, text is very poor. If, you'd like to know about shells, do not buy this book.

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