Reviews (1)

Very reliable handbook.
This handbook on shells is very reliable in the field or in a studio. Dozens of mollusks, crustaceans, and other exotic shell collectibles are listed here, turning out at more than two hundred species listings! However, most featured here are east coast species or found way out of the United States, which makes it not as reliable for an American beachcoming in Santa Barbara or Baja California. For those living out on the east coast or in the Caribbean, this is an excellent and very reliable resource. Also quite fun to read as a coffee table or easy chair book.
There is a catch however, as the book is bound in low quality paperback. May show wear more quickly than Audubon leatherback guides or Peterson solid lamination and paper. Best for a landlocked ocean lover wanting to take an extraordinary look at the seas marvels and shell collectibles at a nearby store. ... Read more

Book Description

The Art of Shelling is a shell hunting guidebook. It is interesting reading for everyone who loves seashells and the seashore environment.The book explains what shells are and details specifically where and how to find them. The information is presented in an enjoyable and easy-to-read format. After learning about each location, you will feel as though you had actually been there.This completely revised second edition is the authors way of sharing what they have learned during more than fifteen years of intensive seashore travel, beach exploration, and mollusk study. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Where in the World are all the Sea Shells?
This book will help anybody on the Eastern Seaboard find shelling spots from Maine to Florida. It is especially helpful with local customs and laws.

Superbly written and organized
Now in an expanded second edition, Chuck and Debbie Robinson's The Art Of Shelling continues to be the definitive guide to finding shells and other beach collectibles at shelling locations ranging the American coastline from Maine to Florida. This compendium of information about the seashore and seashells has expanded to include new shelling locations, information on additional seashells and sea creatures, more illustrations, and an enhanced travel reference section. Superbly written and organized for the non-specialist general reader, The Art Of Shelling is a perfect guide for the hobbyist and collector, as well as the simple vacationer seeking unique mementos of their seaside visits. ... Read more

Book Description

The essential book for beach-combers and divers, this guide explores more than 705 seashells, living mollusks, abalone, periwinkles, conchs, limpets, oysters, clams, mussels, and cockles found on the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf coasts of North America and the West Indies. The photographs are arranged by shape and color, making identification quick and easy. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Ultimate shell reference.
The Audubon Guide to Seashells is one of the best known and most reliable field references. Whether beachcombing, snorkeling over a reef, or searching a tidepool, this guide will come in handy for all those locations. Many seashells are listed in this guide, coming out at more than 600 in all. The shells are a feast for the eyes, coming in all shapes, colors, and patterns. The best and most admirable family covered are the Limpets. From dull green to stunning black and white striped, this is the most detailed and beautiful family listed in the book. Cone snails are also covered very well. The main question here is: Why does the book have negative ratings? Flipping to the back for details may be tiresome for lazy readers. There is nothing unprofessional about the book in any way. It VERY professional and a good recommendation.

Very non-professional
First, book has very poor illogical structure and
second, how come no author names, and this book
is written by Smithsonian zoologist!
Very unprofessional.

The Ultimate Seashell Reference
This excellent guide has unique detailed information on seashells found on the Pacific, Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America as well as well as the West Indies. A picture paints a thousand words, not to mention a fully coloured photograph of each of the 705 different species of seashells or living mollusk. In addition to these detailed photographs, the author of the book managed to include original and useful information on every seashell, revealing how each seashell is unique. Some of these information cannot be found in any other book, making this book essential to every seashell collector. 671 seashells are covered in full detail with notes provided on 200 others. This amazing book consists of 896 pages of detailed photographs and extensive text showing the great diversity of American seashells. To be a qualified seashell collector, you have got to get this book! Don't wait any longer, purchase the book from Amazon! ... Read more

Book Description

Combining the best in underwater photography with brilliant illustrations and the most complete and informative text, this incomparable book presents a fresh guide to the world of shells.

Shells are one of the most familiar and fascinating creations of nature. Valued for their beauty since prehistoric times, they may be seen on Greek and Roman vases, Renaissance paintings, African ornaments, and modern jewelry. Mollusks, the animals without backbones that produce shells, are so widespread that, second to insects, they are the most numerous creatures on earth.

In this comprehensive, visually exciting book, the enlightening text is wonderfully illustrated with underwater images and full-color diagrams that explore the intricate construction of shells. In a special guide, 400 different specimens from around the world are described, ranging from the most numerous to the rarest and from the most gorgeous to the most exotic. Many are depicted underwater as a diver would see them living in their natural habitat. Finally, there is practical advice on how to build an outstanding shell collection that is beautiful to look at, helpful in understanding various marine environments, and respectful of nature. Unique in its coverage, this book will be invaluable to naturalists, divers, and shell collectors.

201 full-color illustrations ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Lovely photos, fair figures, lacking on text
This is an excellent book. I was impressed by the photos of different marine mollusks in their native habitats, often engaged in complex feeding activities (especially note Colubraria feeding on a parrot fish through it's mucus bubble). It's very nice to see, for a change, a book dedicated to the living organisms that we as Conchologists often tend to forget when engaging in this hobby. I have an extensive collection of shell books and would say to the best of my knowledge this book simply has some of the finest mollusk habitat photography of any book I've seen. I wish they included a bit more text; I felt that a little more info with those excellent photos this would have made this a classic text. Instead it is a excellent book for the amature collector looking for more than the typical identification of shells book. That maybe a mis-characterization as there was information in the text that was new to me (and I have been in this hobby for 30 years), but a lot of the text seemed 'wanting'. Well worth a look see. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

An excellent, comprehensive review of shells.
I'm a Michigan snowbird. I didn't know one shell from another until I purchased this highly interesting, informative book. I have derived many hours of pleasure from looking at the colorful, spectacular photgraphs of the amazing creatures that make the depicted shells. When one combines these with a text that is readable, finely detailed, and which closely follows the photographs, a book that should be part of any Florida visitor's library is obtained. Get it, and read it, before you go, and enhance your trip!!

I might note that my high recommendation extends to all books in this series. Since purchasing this and other volumes in the series, I have been able to discard a lot of lesser quality materials purchased on earlier trips, and yet increase the quality of my library.

Awsome view of Florida's shells and seashore life
We use this book on all trips to the beach. I am now purchasing 4 for gifts. It contains wonderful photos and descriptions of Florida shells, as well as, where to find them, and how to clean them. It gives great quick information regarding much of Florida's Seashore Life. It is an excellent reference- written well for a quick reference. I thumb through the beautiful photos over and over and never get bored! Truly a 5 star book at a very reasonable price.

An Indispensable Guide
Years ago, on vacation in Florida, we stopped for a night in a motel by a rocky beach at Cedar Key, a bit north of Tampa. After dark my wife and I walked over to the beach and we heard a wierd snapping and crackling sound. We looked down with our flashlight and saw a whole herd of small crabs that were slowly on the move, thousands of them! Had no idea what they were or what they were doing. Later we went back to the motel, but we never forgot what we saw, it was so amazing. Many years later a person who lived all their life in Florida told us they were Fiddler Crabs. Just recently, when I got this book I looked them up, and it had a complete description of them, their habits, and many great pictures.

This large oversized volume includes a wealth of information on shells and animal life likely to be encountered on Florida shores. It is very informative with excellent color photographs, and the price is right. I just wish I had it years ago!

Was very surprised and pleased with this book!
I am only sorry I didn't buy this book sooner and that there is no hardcover edition available. It's photographs are breathtaking, the snippets of history and seashell collecting information are fabulous as is the whole presentation. I loved looking through it and reading it, and I am 35 years old in case you're wondering.

A thorough and entertaining book with good color photos.
I have used this book on my visits to Florida a couple of times now, and have found it informative but not so detailed so as to put one to sleep. The color photos are well done and helpful. Winston Williams provides interesting information about many of the shells to be found in Florida, including how the various mollusks live. I highly recommend it if you plan to spend some time on the beaches of Florida. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

Ultimate shell reference!
Whether for a valuable collection at home, or a sight while swimming or scuba diving, this will prove very reliable in the field. A MUCH more advanced field guide from the Golden First Guides, this lists over 600 shells in all and will quickly identify any strange seashell you happen to find beachcombing. This guide contains: Augor shells, chitons, whelks, limpets, and many other valuable collectibles. Each shell species entry has a description added to the side, explaining: abundance, range, and habitat. After the first Golden Guide to Seashells intrigues you, try your luck out will this field reference.
There are several editions made of this guide, from cheap paperback to hardcore turtleback. The paperback and hardback are the best to buy, as they are both great deals and cost less than the turtleback, which is also durable. Any edition will serve you very well in shell collection ID or snorkeling discoveries.

This is the book that got me started.
Yes it's way out of date. Yes the super rare shells listed in the book are often no longer even mildly rare. Yes it is drawings only. Sigh. But this is the book that got me and all too many others hooked into this area. 30 years later I still love the hobby. Give it to a child and watch him/her grow. ... Read more

Book Description

A complete source book for the new or experienced collector.Contains information on how to start a collection, how to buy/find shells, plus a classification guide.Features all the major shell families and includes many less popular groups.1200 specially commissioned photographs.Detailed captions on appearance, size, geographical location, rarity and distribution. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Most complete reference for the amateur collector
As a begginner in shell collecting I have looked at many shell handbooks and find this one to be the best guide to identifying and classifying the shell in hand. It is comprehensive and descriptive to the degree that if the specific shell isn't listed the descriptions of the class are enough to go on to describe whatever shell I have found. But the great number of shell photos are very helpful and usually show what I am looking for. I like the way the families and classes are represented. There is enough information to inform me and yet, it doesn't boggle me down with a biology dissertation. More than any other quide, this one helps me the most.

A very nice general reference shell book.
A nice general reference; I like the features of depth offered and relative abundence. I would give this another star if it only had more representative species. Still, highly recommended.

beautiful, comprehensive shell guide
I purchased this book after finding a multitude of unusual shells on barrier islands after a hurricane. This is a beautiful book with brilliant color pictures of each shell. These is a quick reference guide that shows a variety of information including location, water depth, average size, scientific, and common names. Also the star system that identifies whether the shell is common/uncommon/rare. Each time we visit the beach/islands, my kids and I look forward to identifying our shell treasures. The kids get really excited when we find a two star shell (uncommon). Great as a coffee table book also, I often find my guests thumbing through it.

Invaluable source of information for the pro or amature.
This is one of the best shell identification books I have ever seen. Not only is it perfect for the amature, but for the professional as well. We use it in our business everyday. The color photography is fantastic, this book also makes a great tabletop book.

Best guide I've found, with accurate info and pictures.
I've used many different shell guides to identify my finds, but this one has enough pictures to show which of the many species I may be looking for. Also, I like the detailed info and the star rating system for indicating rare/common/uncommon. For the amateur collector trying to sort out family, genus and species, this guide gives a clear picture of the information. ... Read more

Amazon.com

As a child, I found few things more fascinating than seashells: from the age of 10 until 15,I would often stay awake all night classifying and sorting shells that friends and family had sent me from around the world, and my most joyous summers were spent on the coasts of Maine, North Carolina, Florida, Washington, and Puerto Rico, gathering shells from the briny wrack.

As an adult, I have encountered few more beautifully illustrated volumes of seashells than this book. All of my favorites are here: the wentletraps, resembling elaborate spiral staircases (and so valued for their beauty in the 1800s that a clandestine industry of counterfeit wentletraps made of rice paste developed in China); the Venus Comb Murex, which has the beauty of a goddess's most prized hairbrush;the humble but lavishly calligraphed Nerites; and other extraordinarily colorful or structurally elaborate homes of homely molluscs. (This book also provides good evidence for my hypothesis that indigenous architectures of a region are influenced by the architecture of indigenous organisms.) An absolutely stunning book, and sure to be a source of inspiration for children, naturalists, and artists. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Shell out for this book!
More shells than a pasta-salad cook-off. I've given it as a gift to a child. Superb subjects with expert photography. You'll marvel at the beauty and variety.

Good book
It is a beautiful book, top photography, every single page catches your eyes. It really portrays the beauty of the seashells.

A real tribute to a famous Conchologist.
Leonard Hill was a most fascinating man and shells were his passion. He died far too young, but fortunately left us with a really lovely book that will be remembered for many years to come. Just like the shells he sold with such care, this book shows the seashells as the jewels many of us have come to appreciate. This book is a tribute to his work and is highly recommended.

Title says it all!
Just unbelievable how many different and very beautiful shells there are in the world: the variety of shapes, textures and colors is amazing! Bravo to the authors for their very nice work: the photographs are simply excellent and the text understandable also for non-specialist shell lovers. I'm planning to use this stunning shell book as a photo reference for some watercolor paintings. A big thank you to Leonard and Peter!

SUPERIOR PHOTOGRAPHY & SUPERB CONTENT FOR AMAZING PRICE!
While browsing for a shell guide book, I first put this one aside thinking it was merely an artsy coffee table book which would not have the information and quality technical photos of shells I was looking for. I finally opened the book and was very pleasantly surprised! The book has spectacular photography with an abundance of biographical information on shells and classifications, covering a generous and diverse variety. If all that wasn't enough, add a pleasing, affordible price and you've got one dynamite shell book! ... Read more

Book Description

Shells and Shellfish of the Pacific Northwest is the indispensable guide for beachcombers, seashell collectors, divers or anyone who wants to know more about the shells and shellfish found along the saltwater beaches and intertidal areas of the Pacific Northwest. Everyone from weekend adventurers to serious collectors will love this book! This comprehensive field guide introduces more than 250 species of mollusks - clams, oysters, scallops, chitons and more - whose range extends from Alaska to B.C. to Washington, Oregon and California. Rick Harbo has included detailed descriptions and colour photos of familiar species like the mussel as well as more obscure ones like the checkered hairysnail and the gutless awning clam. Shells and Shellfish of the Pacific Northwest is also packed with information on places to find shells, the importance of shells in Native art and culture, and guidelines on edibility and conservation. A special full-colour section on identifying clams by their siphons or "shows" is a first for shell guidebooks.Discover the rich, varied marine life of the Pacific Northwest with this fascinating, easy-to-follow book. Don't go to the beach without it! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Invaluable for Northwest Shell Enthusiasts
As a newcomer to the Northwest, I sought a book that would enable me to identify the various seashells I had begun to collect on area beaches. This book is the only complete "non-scientific" field-guide type of text I have found on the subject. In other words, species are referenced by English common names, rather than simply by their more correct, but intimidating Latin names. All species are depicted in color photographs, with corresponding descriptions of habits, habitat, physical features, abundance, etc. Of particular interest are the color photos of the "shows", or siphons, of buried live bivalves.
There is some room for improvement in a future edition. I would like to see more specific information on distribution and abundance, collecting techniques, and on distinguishing species of similar appearance. However, it is the best existing guide to the topic that I yet know of, and it has greatly expanded my knowledge and enjoyment of Northwest shells. ... Read more

Book Description

Geerat Vermeij wrote this "celebration of shells" to share his enthusiasm for those supremely elegant creations and what they can teach us about nature. Most popular books on shells emphasize the identification of species, but Vermeij uses shells as a way to explore major ideas in biology. How are shells built? How do they work? How did they evolve? The author lucidly and charmingly demonstrates how shells give us insights into the lives of animals in our own day as well as in the distant geological past. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Review of Natural History of Shells
I never knew there was so much to the history of shells until I read this book. I love how the author ties in evolutionist theories throughout the book and how much shells and fossils can teach us. ... Read more

Book Description

The first reference of its kind, this book represents good biology, well-founded systematics, accessible biogeography, geological history of corals, and one of the finest collections of coral photographs to be found anywhere. Hailed as the single most important reference on reef corals, this book is useful in describing corals in all areas of Oceania and Southeast Asia. It provides a means of identifying almost 1,000 species of coral, a reliable nomenclature, up-to-date information on distribution and abundance, and authoritative notes on structure and biology. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great book, don't expect any captive system info
This is a tremendous book that will certainly dominate my coffee table for years to come. It might be useful when referring to various species (e.g. when buying mail-order) but it does not contain any aquarium care information- a task that is best left in another volume. If you are interested in the subject, however, I highly recommend this book.

the best reference ever!
This is the greatest coral book ever written! It is a masterpiece and includes some of the best underwater coral photography ever published. It is mostly a pretty version of Dr. Veron's 5 vol scientific journals, and is a little hard to see it's true use in the reef keeping hobby, because it talks about corals strictly out on the wild reef, but if you take the requirements of the animal in the wild and apply it to your home aquarium you can not fail. This book is also the best for identifing all of those mystery stony corals you have in your tank. There is not one stony coral on the reef that this book does not discuss. If you have stony corals or plan to have them in the future then this book is a must have on your list. The price tag is a little high I know, but worth every cent. The great pictures alone make it a great coffee table book and worth the price right there,if you love corals don't pass this book up!

The greatest SPS coral reference at hand
Corals of Australia and the Indo-Pacific is by far the best reference for coral reference on the market today. This book is for the serious Reef Aquarium Hobbiest or Marine Biologist. While this book does not give reference to aquarium conditions, it does provide the reader with a comprehensive review of the major SPS corals not given in any other puiblication that I have found. If you are are an SPS reef aquarium hobbiest. You need this book

Verons Coral of australia and indo-pacific is by far the beo
Corals of Australia and Indo-Pacific is the ultimate resource for stony (SPS) Corals I have found to date. I am a reef aquarium hobbiest and I use Verons book almost exclusively to identify species of aquarium coral. The book is also extremely helpful in requard to the taxonomy of the SPS. ... Read more

Book Description

Nature has created an almost infinite variety of life in the sea, and seashells are the prize of this vast environment. Shells reveals the striking patterns and forms that make shells a work of art in their own right, from the extraordinary architectural detail of the chambered nautilus to the varied hues of the senatorial scallop. Moreover, shells have had a significant influence on many facets of society. Through lively and informative text and more than 300 striking photographs presented in an oversized format, Shells depicts Iroquois money belts made from the shell of the quahog; a cowrie headdress used by a Mali witch doctor; and the scallop shell motif in art and architecture. Also featured are rare photographs of the fascinating creatures that live within shells; current data on collecting practices and trends; and a discussion of environmental issues around collection and conservation. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

TREASURES OF THE SEA- A TREASURE OF A BOOK!
Treasures of the Sea was another Pleasant surprise from Author Leonard hill, with some assistance by Pete Carmicheal the "World Famous" Shell photographer. Again, these two mens talents bring together this Leonard Hill book that is a must have for any shell collector or enthusiast alike.The book has amazing photography that is interesting to Malacologists and Conchologists everywhere. This book is a class piece of work and is an awesome follow-up to another fabulous book "The World's Most Beautiful Shells- co-authored by Hill and Carmicheal. Mr Hill should be commended for another solid project on shells.

Beautiful photos, fascinating info
This is a spectacular coffee table book for anyone who' s the least bit interested in shells. It is enormous and packed with breathtaking photos in rich color on glossy stock. The text is as fascinating as the pictures.

The book features a wide variety of shells, many I have never seen before. It has full-page close-ups of individual shells and several shell collages. It also shows the shells as living creatures in their natural habitat.

Another section has many examples of shells in art including jewelry and postage stamps. There is a detailed caption for each photo. Many of these describe the life of the creature as well as the characteristics of the shell.

If you can tear yourself away from the pictures, the text is equally impressive. It covers evolution, the animals inside, shell structure and classification. It also includes chapters on shell collecting and shells in human culture.

Shells: Treasures of the Sea
I can not say enough about this book. Open to any page and you will see something new or never noticed before. The pictures are amazing and the variety outstanding. This book is a wealth of knowledge about shells on land and in the sea.

Delighting pictures, a piece of art!
I have just started collecting shells, and this book has been a great source of knowledge about the subject. The pictures are absolutely beautiful, the paper in which they have been printed is very good and the text is mighty clear. This book is likely to be an excellent present even for non-collectors due to its beauty. ... Read more

Book Description

All the information needed to collect and study shells is included in this comprehensive book, which provides the geographical range and habitat for and a detailed description of each of 800 species. Color plates show 780 species, including live animals, and 115 drawings show both animals and their shells. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Very intersesting with lots of details
Lack of colored pictures. Very informative. Super guide for scuba divers and naturalists as well as shell collectors. ... Read more

Book Description

Ocean Oracle presents a unique system of seashell divination, beautifully presented in a boxed set. Combining the ancient art of tarot-style divination with the fascination that seashells have long held for people, the book presents complete information on the shells' meanings, and explains how to use the cards to access inner knowledge and discover opportunities for personal growth and change. Ocean Oracle comes complete with 200 full-color cards, a companion book, and a foldout overview sheet with four-color plates of the shells. ... Read more

Book Description

An Instant Guide to Seashells is an ideal compact identification guide to the most familiar shells found on the East, West, and Gulf coasts of North America.
From clams to conches, from mussels to murexes, the easy-to-follow system of color-coded bands and symbols leads quickly to the correct section of the book.Detailed full-color illustrations of shells, plus a distribution map and concise informative text allow you to identify accurately the most familiar seashells of North America. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Not the greatest shell guide
This book is pretty skimpy as shell guides go. Instead, I highly recommend Kenneth Wye's "The Encyclopedia of Shells," which I purchased after being disappointed with this one. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

what a treasure!!! informative with excellent illustrations!
I have two kids with active imaginations who love to explore and learn. This book encourages getting outside with hands-on examples of what you could find in your area, and in an age of computer games it's nice to find a fun and imformative book with such wonderfull illustrations. This is an inexpensive gift for kids with alot of energy like mine ! ... Read more