Reviews (2)

First time documentation of the Abalone Industry
This book is a seminal piece of work documenting the California Abalone Industry. This is a must- read for marine enthusiasts and divers alike. The author obviously put considerable effort in collecting factual historical data, events and photographs to produce this one-of-a-kind book.

With the declining population of Abalone in California, the book captures the many personalities of the diving and abalone industries and clearly explains the equipment and techniques used from early days to modern times.

A great addition to any diving or maritime library, we continue to use the text as a reference in our teaching and training of Marine Diving Technology at Santa Barbara City College.

-Don Barthelmess

Director, Marine Diving Technology Department Santa Barbara City College

A detailed story of California's first fishery to use divers
This book is very special because the author has recorded the firsthand stories of many of the key people that played a roll in this fascinating industry. Hundreds of photos, some dating back to the nineteenth century, compliment the text. ... Read more

Book Description

This guide is the only complete reference to the sharks, rays, and chimaeras found in California's waters-- from the intertidal zone to 500 miles offshore.

o Species accounts give information on habitat and range, natural history, interactions with humans, nomenclature, and further references

o 68 beautiful color illustrations show each shark, ray, and chimaera; accompanying line drawings highlight differences in teeth, underside of the head, and egg cases

o Includes information on the California marine environment, ecology and conservation, and shark biology ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (6)

Cut to the Chase
This book reads quickly. It's a collection of newspaper articles. Although I was hoping the book would talk more about the size and behavior of the attacking sharks, the wording is quick, much like the attacks.

A VERY DISTURBING READ
A great book for shark fans like myself. There is not really any info on sharks but on there victems. A truly frighting read for you here the victems words of "let me die" or "help, shark." Just to let you know the book is not a novel but newspaper summeries. Still its a great read on the terror of shark attack victems.

Not the best book about this subject matter
although i am sure Mr. MacCormick went through a painstaking research period to compile the stories for this book, it adds up to only sensationalize on the darker side of the oceans' greatest predator. If you are looking to learn about sharks, go elsewhere.

great book featuring great whites
A good fast reading book. Lots of details of the attacks. Any one who likes skarks should read this book.

Only a newspapers info summary
I expected a more comments-supported summary of shark attacks all over the world. It is not included the famous attack on Albert Kogler, San Francisco, 1959. Only a collection of newspaper notes. ... Read more

Book Description

This edition has been thoroughly revised and updated to reflect the latest information and research into sharks and their behavior around the world.

Here are the actual facts that dispel the myths and legends surrounding the feared and misunderstood shark. With full color photographs on every page plus maps and illustrations, The Encyclopedia of Sharks documents every aspect of these beautiful animals, the myths and legends that surround them, the threat that we as humans pose to them, and how the species has evolved.

The dynamic and authoritative text includes information on:
- anatomy and physiology
- reproduction, courtship and mating
- how they hunt and what they eat
- migration routes
- their extraordinary senses and skills
- shark conservation efforts.

Chapters such as Shark Success, Ecology and Biology, Sense and Supersedes, Design for Living and Design for Killing fascinate and encourage readers to learn more about these complex creatures.

This information-packed book also includes:
- charts and sidebars
- index and glossary
- more than 200 color photographs
- maps
- diving sites and aquariums where sharks are on view
- complete chart of shark taxonomy. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Great Book on Sharks
This book is great, you can ask relatives and friends, I know a lot about sharks, and every time I read this book, I learn even more!!!!!

Encyclopedia of Sharks
The book is wonderful. The binding is the problem. The slick pages causes the binding to break. So if this is for a library you might want to consider another book.

Great Book
This is a very good book. It contains lots of color photographs and has some great information.It provides a general insight to the anatomy of the shark, our relationships with them, the classification of all of the shark species, and some handy info on where you can best find sharks in the wild. The book lacked some of the more indepth information that i was looking for, being a more general introduction to sharks rather than a more detailed book. However, what you are looking for in a shark book may be different from what i was, and this book would suit your needs well. I would highly recommend it too any person who is just getting in to sharks (well worth your money), but for other people who already know more than the general info about sharks, there are better books out there. Your money would not be poorly spent, as this is a good book for all, but there are more informational books (Sharks in Question is one of the best i have read). ... Read more

Book Description

Provides a thorough introduction to the biology of fishes, covering basic diversity, biology and physiology. Detailed coverage of environmental aspects relating to fish biology is a key feature of this book which will be of great use to students and individuals in fish biology, fisheries, aquaculture and environmental sciences. ... Read more

Book Description

This 288 page, illustration-packed encyclopedia covers a wide range of the fish species information and technical hints needed to easily and successfully maintain a freshwater aquarium at home. Several books in one, it features hundreds of species and offers advice on the latest equipment, foods, remedies, water treatments, test kits, and aquarium management techniques.

The Complete Encyclopedia of the Freshwater Aquarium includes an A-Z listing of aquarium fish species, plus: - fish biology
- fish in nature
- fish conservation
- commercial breeding
- aquarium selection, set-up, maintenance, and troubleshooting
- fish nutrition and feeding
- fish breeding in the aquarium
- fish health and diseases
- aquarium plant species
- planting and maintenance of aquarium plants
- species of aquarium animals, such as frogs, snails, crayfish, and more

The book includes the latest information on koi and other coldwater species, one of today's fastest-growing aquarium sectors. Rounded out with a glossary and further reading, The Complete Encyclopedia of the Freshwater Aquarium is a beautiful, colorful and comprehensive guide suitable for both beginning as well as seasoned aquarium hobbyists. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Good, has needed info on rarer species, with updated names
I found information on fish that I could not find in other basic bread and butter books. While it does not have pictures of the more common species, those can be found in less expensive books. This is a book for the more advanced hobbyist, yet can be a great help for anyone with it's broad coverage. If you want a book covering basic species, go somewhere else. If you have been finding some of the rarer fishes in your pet shop that most books do not cover, then you will find this book helpfull. I do wish it covered more of the Corydoras, and included pictures for all the fish it describes however. All and all, it is nice to see current latin names used, and advice on keeping the rarer fish that seem to be showing up in greater numbers these days.

Complete Encyclopedia of the Freshwater Aquarium
I found this book disappointing. Photographs of some of the more common species that are available at local stores were not shown. If there was a photograph of a species somewhere in the book the description segment did not give a reference page for the photograph. Knowing what rare fish look like is nice but not helpful for most novice collectors. In most pet stores these exotic fish are not available. ... Read more

Book Description

The aquaculturalist's bible-for the novice and professional, covering all freshwater species and how best to raise them. Includes pond construction and repair, water quality and chemistry, breeding, fertilization, shipment, diseases, marketing, legal restrictions, and integration with plants and farm life. Financial costing has been updated. "The best published handbook in the field."-American Scientist ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Book, sad to see its out of print
Along with being a comprehensive aquaculture guide, this book is also unique in stressing the importance of sustainability and small scale aquaculture practices. Very interesting examples global aquaculture, with an emphasis on N. American culture and species. This book acts as both a great research tool and guide for aquaculturist, but also illustrates many dynamic examples of low-imput high-output agriculture methods. Derives many great examples from Asian aquaculture practices that are not only productive but ecologically friendly.

Freshwater Aquaculture:Handbook for Small Scale Fish Culture
Freshwater Aquaculture by William McLarney is a must have book for the beginning aquaculturist and a great reference book for those with more experience. Full of information on what works and why, what does not work, and what to do when things go awry, it goes beyond the current thinking and offers thought provoking ideas for innovation and experimentation. Aquaculture is a science, but it does not have a 'one size fits all' recipe for success, so knowing all the options helps you craft (or fine tune) an aquatic environment that works for you and your situation. If you have any interest in aquaculture, buy this book, you won't regret it ... Read more

Book Description

Heiligenberg's pioneering research describes the behavior of one species, the jamming avoidance response in the electric fish Eigenmannia, providing a rich mine of data that documents the first vertebrate example of the workings of the entire behavioral system from sensory input to motor output. ... Read more

Book Description

Fish and Wildlife: Principles of Zoology and Ecology, 2E enlightens readers to the principles of biology in the context of how science relates to the survival of fish and wildlife. Captivating and informative, the book seemlessly integrates the principles of zoology and ecology with the lives of different kinds of wild animals that inhabit North America. It gives descriptions of the lives, structures, growth, and classification of species in their natural habitats, and raises critical thinking questions to initiate the steps taken in the process of scientific discovery. The book helps readers appreciate how each animal is adapted to its environment and highlights ways that humans and animals can reduce competition for resources that are needed by both. Whether for high school classes, local agriculture programs, or as a reference work, Fish and Wildlife: Principles of Zoology and Ecology, 2E presents the enjoyment and wonder of our animal world. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

great, informative book.
If you are interested in great white sharks, this is the book for you. It's fun and informative. I have to disagree with one fact the book gives, however. The great white shark is not the most dangerous predator of the ocean. That would be the killer whale. They are larger, smarter, faster, more agile, and able to hunt cooperatively. Also, very recently a famous marine biologist observed predatory sharks larger than the great white (at least thirty feet long) deep in the Pacific ocean. They apparently live very far down, however, and could never be a danger to humans.

An excellent work about sharks
I have very much enjoyed reading this book again and again, especially in conjunction with the film that the book describes being filmed, "Blue Water White Death", which so far as I am aware has not appeared in video form or I would surely have it in my collection by now. The film is acknowledged to be one of the better shark films in existence, and the book somewhat pales in comparison, but a worthwhile read nonetheless. I have read the hardback edition and now own the paperback. I must say I miss the color plates which are in the hardback edition. I sincerely hope someone will transfer the film to video at some point.

Great adventure
It's wonderful to be able to read the narrative of shark dives from the safety and comfort of home.

This is a great narrative of the expedition to search for the Great White shark...hopefully the numerous "specials" on TV and the recent article in National Geographic will help "save" this treasure of the ocean.

You can't help but get involved with this book, just as exciting and fascinating as any novel.

If you enjoyed this one, try _Snow Leopard_ or _Indian Country_.

Oceanic Adventure
Blue Meridian is one of the great stories of underwater adventure and exploration. It's an account of the first substantial expedition to find and film the great white shark, and was conducted long before this type of film became routine (ala any Discovery Channel shark special). As such, not only is the reader presented with a wonderful and fast-paced story, but they are also exposed to a great deal of the (now) history of SCUBA diving and marine science. Because this was one of the first attempts to deal with sharks at close quarters, many of the techniques for filming sharks were tried for the first time during this expedition, and many of these techniques haven't been tried since (such as open-ocean swimming with feeding oceanic white-tips). There are also some charming anachornisms, such as Peter Matthiessen describing Peter Gimble giving him the "ok" symbol; a symbol now known to every diver, but then apparently new. There's a lot to find in this book. Don't be put off by its short length.

A story like no other
In a time when the thought of swimming with sharks was to have a death wish, five diver/photograghers and one expedition historian set to the high seas in search of the ellusive Great White shark. This book follows the expedition from the cold waters of South Africa, throughout the Indian Ocean, and ultimately to Dangerous Reef, South Australia in search of thier quarry. Matthiessen Beautifully portays the ocean environment as one of danger and excitement. Having candid encounters with Oceanic Whitetips, hand feeding a barracuda, playing with sea lions, and finally discovering the Great White Death. This book is an excellent companion to the film "Blue Water, White Death". ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great guide for fish-eaters, fishermen, and scuba divers,
Colour photos of the most common fishes that swim off the Atlantic coast of North, Central, and South America. The information provided includes the fishes' living range, edibility, and if they harbour any toxins. The book can fit into a pocket, and is printed on glossy paper. An interesting read for anyone with an interest in fish.

Know your fish
I found this book to be a delightful help while snorkeling on caribbean vacations. Especially when you're trying to identify the cute and wily little fish which lures you over to where the barracuda boyz are hanging out, then deserts you. Now I know what fish does this to me, thanks to this book. You don't need to be hooked on fish scales to appreciate this publication.

A "fishy" pocket guide for nature lovers.
Great, easy packing travel guide for the nature lover, fisher-person, or snorkeler/diver. Color- illustrated, with concise descriptions, range, and "edibility" of hundreds of Atlantic fishes. This is an economical reference, worth adding to the tourist's carry-on. ... Read more

Book Description

Winner of The National Book Award for Arts and Letters in 1965: a classic about oystering and life in Brittany. On the northwest coast of France, just around the corner from the English Channel, is the little town of Locmariaquer (pronounced "loc-maria-care"). The inhabitants of this town have a special relationship to the world, for it is their efforts that maintain the supply of the famous Belon oysters, called les plates ("the flat ones"). The Oysters of Locmariaquer is a vivid, fascinating account of how Belon oysters are cultivated. This National Book Award-winning travelogue is also an excursion into the historical background, myths, and legends of Brittany. And at the center of this uncommon narrative, presented in turn after turn of slowly accumulating drama, are the lives of people who make the oyster growing possible. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A bad oyster....
I read the book with great anticipation. Bought some oysters as well to go along with the whole experience - some little French ones. Prepared them as Ms Clark suggested. Ate them with a chilled chablis. Half and hour later - sick as dog, sick as dog. Turns out the best way to prepare oysters is not (repeat not) to let them sit on the back porch in the sun all day. Never make a mistake twice and won't eat those Belon oysters again. But the book was quite good

A little cooking, a little history, a little poetry
About 25 years ago I stumbled upon Eleanor Clark's history of the oyster beds in Normandy, or her memoir of living near the oyster beds. It's been a long time, but it was simply the best combination of food writing, history, travel writing and poetry that I ever read (yes, I'm reviewing a book that I read 25 years ago, but it stayed with me). My sister and her family are going to be living in Normandy, so I have to buy it for them, and reread it myself. It's unique; it makes every other book about travel and food and "our life in ...." seem pallid. ... Read more

Book Description

Now available from Waveland Press, this comprehensive, geographically balanced manual offers readers complete hands-on coverage of morphology, identification, and classification, physiological adaptations, and natural history. The book's taxonomic and geographic coverage is impressively broad as well, applying to a variety of fishes and areas: jawless, cartilaginous, and bony, fresh- and saltwater, temperate and tropical, and inshore and offshore. Helpful discussions and explanations introduce the guidebook's collection of well-designed exercises, making the connections between principles and specific inquiries easier to formulate. This approach works to help readers transform memorized facts into concepts that stimulate further explorations. ... Read more

Book Description

Algae are an important component of aquatic benthic ecosystems because they reflect the health of their environment through their density, abundance, and diversity. This comprehensive and authoritative text is divided into three sections to offer complete coverage of the discussion in this field. The first section introduces the locations of benthic algae in different ecosystems, like streams, large rivers, lakes, and other aquatic habitats. The second section is devoted to the various factors, both biotic and abiotic, that affect benthic freshwater algae. The final section of the book focuses on the role played by algae in a variety of complex freshwater ecosystems. As concern over environmental health escalates, the keystone and pivotal role played by algae is becoming more apparent. This volume in the Aquatic Ecology Series represents an important compilation of the latest research on the crucial niche occupied by algae in aquatic ecosystems.

Key Features
* Presents algae as the important player in relation to environmental health
* Prepared by leading authorities in the field
* Includes comprehensive treatment of the functions of benthic algae as well as the factors that affect these important aquatic organisms
* Acts as an important reference for anyone interested in understanding and managing freshwater ecosystems ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Ecologist's Bible of Periphyton
I have used this book so much during my MSc Project on Algal Communities, that it became my personal bible for all aspects of benthic algal ecology. It's a very comprehensive book, that is both interesting and relevant rightfrom the start till the very end. All topics are well designed andillustrated and all in all it is very nice to read - not only forEcologists like me.

The Ecologist's Bible for Periphyton
I used that book so much during the writing up of my MSc thesis that it became my personal bible for all periphyton related issues. I've never seen so much excelent and relevant information on this topic in just one book.The figures are well placed, and all in all it's very nice to read (notonly for Algal Ecologists like me). ... Read more

Book Description

Here are the authentic voices, vivid recollections and songs of 55 blues musicians. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A celebration of life and nature
John Hersey's book is a treasure. It is conceived as a series of conversations between an accomplished fisherman and a stranger, who, in the beginning at least, is predisposed to dislike fishing as a brutal pastime. But Hersey, page by page, chapter by chapter, lures the stranger (and the reader) into the deep mysteries of the sea and the complex world of ocean life that so many of us take for granted. The detail about the habits of fish, particularly the bluefish, is fascinating, but this is also a celebration of life and the way that man and sea are inter-dependent. Without being sentimental, Hersey teaches us what it is to love oceans, fresh air, and even the brutal cycles of life. If that is not enough, the book is sprinkled with anecdotes, poetry and recipes. A book that cannot but help you appreciate our oceans and John Hersey's skills as a writer.

There's something fishy about this book
This book was given to me late last summer after I had pulled a blue out of the waters of Chatham, Ma.. I am a year rounder on Cape Cod, but I hadn't caught a fish since I was a boy. I was positively giddy for days. The blues are a mean spirited fish. They'll bite a hook with no bait on it when they're feeding. Anyhow, I caught me a fighter (my tale is growing as I type!).

A week or two later, my birthday rolled around and I was given a copy of this book to whet my newfound appetite for angling. I read the book over the course of the winter, a chapter here, a chapter there.

Hersey's portrayal of a summer's worth of fishing trips with The Fisherman and The Stranger is charming, informative & humorous. I learned more than I think I'll ever get to employ about snatching a blue. The notion of the sea's natural progression through the seasons is held dear to The Fisherman.

The narrative format seemed a bit of a stretch at times. The Fisherman's long, fact-filled, oceanic diatribes were hardly conversational. I found myself shrugging this off easily though and accepting the info for what it was.

I guess it would be nice to have the time to fish everyday. Alas, I live a minute from the beach and can rarely find the time to enjoy it. The book inspired me to get back out there this summer and catch me another blue. This time it's going to be a maneater!

If you enjoy the sea, and the life within, you'll learn a little something by reading this book. Happy fishing...

Nicely Done, John Hersey
When I picked up this book, I was a guest at a beach house in Edisto Island, SC. I have a habit of reading the criticism quips before reading, and I found one that fit it perfectly. It was something to the effect of "A book you expect to find in a beach house on a rainy August afternoon, binding mildewed by the ocean air, pages bent from frequent readings, and bits of sand between the pages." That described it exactly, only except it wasn't August. As I said, I picked up the book one day and couldn't put it down. At first, the psuedo-dialogue bothered me, but it really grew on me. The whole premise of the book allows for a real education on fishing, naturalism, and the ways of the world. I have not bought the book, but that is soon to change.

Conversational Fishing Novel
Although technically a novel, as it portrays a conversation that did not really happen, John Hersey's Blues feels more like non-fiction because it is one of the most educational books I have read in recent years. I came away from it with a new appreciation for the fisherman--and the fish.

Composed almost entirely of a conversation between two characters referred to only as Fisherman and Stranger, Blues is a portrait of a fisherman passing his knowledge and love of the catching and eating of the bluefish. Hersey's prose is easily conversational and full of information. Scattered throughout are poems from the likes of John Donne and Robert Penn Warren further illustrating the current topic.

Reading its bound-and-printed form, Blues is a bit stilted. I greatly preferred the Recorded Books reading by Norman Dietz, whose craggy voice perfectly suits the seasoned angler, and, when raising it an octave, portrays the excitement of the stranger during his learning experience.

I found myself wanting to go fishing--and wanting to have fish for dinner--while reading about the different methods of how to cook fish in order to get out the ideal flavor--using varying degrees of simple items like butter and mayonnaise. I never thought I would like a book about fish--and I put off reading this for months--but John Hersey's Blues has once again proven that surprises lurk around every corner, if you're willing to keep an open mind and try new things. I may even seek out Izaak Walton's The Compleat Angler--the fishing classic--after reading this.

Great Concept. Poor Execution
As a fisherman and someone who lives near the setting of this book, I loved the subject and the concept (I particularly liked the recipes at the end of each chapter). But I found it very difficult to read because the voice of the Fisherman was too pedantic and preachy. The Fisherman came off as a bag of wind rather than someone to be admired. Eventhough I didn't expect the dialogue between the Fisherman and the Stranger to be a natural everyday conversation, it exceeded even my expectations in how awkward it all sounded. ... Read more

Book Description

Here are profiles of whale researchers and their latest findings on the magnificent creatures they follow, from humpback, to gray, to orca. ... Read more