Reviews provided by Syndetics

Publishers Weekly Review

Hill, a marine biologist and authority on shells, has teamed with nature photographer Pete Carmichael to produce this exquisitely lovely survey of the world's shells, combining hundreds of spectacular color photographs, many taken underwater, with a richly informative text. Beginning with mollusks' evolution from flat worms more than 600 million years ago, they explore the genetics of shell coloration and patterning, shell architecture, the biology and reproduction of mollusks. Special sections are devoted to a history of shell collecting; freshwater mussels of U.S. rivers and their close association with fish; shell money ranging from the Solomon Islands to Native American wampum; and pearls. Along with astonishing photos of exotic specimens, there are many examples of shells used in art, ritual and everyday life, for example, Victorian thimble-holders made from cut nautilus, an Ethiopian dance belt, the sacred chank shell of India, blown as a trumpet to drive away evil spirits, or 19th-century sailor's valentines, octagonal, glass-covered shell mosaics bought in foreign ports by American sailors and whalers for sweethearts back home. This book will delight shell collectors and prove to be a revelation for the general reader. (Nov.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Booklist Review

Few objects in the natural world rival the astonishing beauty of seashell forms, and in Hill's sumptuously oversize book overflowing with gorgeous photographs, that fact is declared in no uncertain terms. If collecting shells as art objects remains a popular pastime, the reason why is obvious after even a brief glimpse of the captivating sculptural qualities exhibited by the seashells shown here. From shimmeringly smooth to roughly ridged, with iridescent colors and mysteriously complex shapes and patterns, the glorious diversity of shells clearly merits a spectacular book such as this one. Hill's commentary provides scientific background on mollusks to further enhance the visual feast, while rare images show living creatures in their watery environment. A fine resource for collectors and naturalists alike. --Alice Joyce