Overview

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.

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9781554073214

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Reviews

A stunning photo essay of these remarkable creatures... Every shell is revealed as a unique and perfect masterpiece of nature.--Danny A. Brass Underwater Speleology (08/01/2008)

A stunning photo essay of these remarkable creatures...every shell is revealed as a unique and perfect masterpiece of nature. -- Danny A. Brass National Speleological Society, Florida Regional N (08/01/2008)

A stunning photo essay of these remarkable creatures...every shell is revealed as a unique and perfect masterpiece of nature.--Danny A. Brass National Speleological Society, Florida Regional N (08/01/2008)

A stunning photo essay of these remarkable creatures....Over 300 high-quality, full-color photographs of shells from every ocean document the beauty and diversity of these architectural wonders.... Every shell is revealed as a unique and perfect masterpiece of nature.--Danny A. Brass Underwater Speleology (08/01/2008)

The real treasure of this book is more than 300 pages of heart-stopping photographs.--Laurence A. Marschall Natural History (01/01/2008) Can a mollusk shell constitute art ? Assuredly yes, if the pleasure to be derived from these pages is any guide.--John Arkelian Artsforum (09/30/2008) An extraordinary collection of mollusks ... More than 300 color photographs by Paul Starosta capture the delicate colors and intricate shapes of these forms.-- (12/09/2007) Stunning... The biology of phylum Mollusca is tidily summarized in the introductory pages, and then we are into the rich full-page colour and detail such as Firefly has provided in past years for seeds, pollen and other miracles of nature. Starosta's pictures show shells dancing, twirling and rolling across the pages, or standing like decorated sentries, frilled toys and impenetrable shields. We feel their textures with our eyes, and find their identities and characteristics recorded in the key at the end of the book.-- (02/03/2008) With 300 stunning colour photographs and illustrations, this is a wonderful book for anyone who loves to collect shells.... An elegant addition to any coffee table or library.-- (10/01/2007) No matter what your motivation may be, Shells will be a valuable addition to the library of anyone interested in the marvelous beauty and intricate structural features of these incredible works of nature. It is a stunning photo essay of these remarkable creatures.... Over 300 high-quality, full-color photographs orf shells from every ocean of the world document the beauty and diversity of these architectural wonders.... Each photograph reveals a wealth of structural detail, highlighting the magnificent splendor of shells as well as their intrinsic construction; every shell is revealed as a unique and perfect masterpiece of nature.-- (08/01/2008) The latest in Firefly's stunning photographic series depicting natural objects as objets d'art.--Ottawa Citizen (03/16/2008) It's been said before but it bears repeating: The imagination is no match for nature. You'll believe it after seeing the array of full-page photographs in Shells... These 300-plus portraits -- and they are nothing less -- reveal each specimen's intimate character.... This cleanly designed tome deserves a permanent place on any beachcomber's shelf.-- (12/01/2007) Examines the intricate details of the seashore's bounty. The book offers more than 200 full-page photographs of shells on black backgrounds and examines how their geometrical structures have inspired classical architecture.-- (01/01/2008) A stunning photo essay of these remarkable creatures....Over 300 high-quality, full-color photographs of shells from every ocean document the beauty and diversity of these architectural wonders.... Every shell is revealed as a unique and perfect masterpiece of nature.-- (08/01/2008)

A stunning photo essay of these remarkable creatures....Over 300 high-quality, full-color photographs of shells from every ocean document the beauty and diversity of these architectural wonders.... Every shell is revealed as a unique and perfect masterpiece of nature.--Danny A. Brass Underwater Speleology (01/01/2008)

Author Information

Paul Starosta is a biologist as well as a master photographer. He has published more than 30 books on plants and animals. Jacques Senders is a malacologist who specializes in diving and collecting shells. One of his previous books is An Annotated Price Catalogue of Marine Shells. Paolo Portoghesi is one of Italy's most important architects and a professor at La Sapienza University in Rome.

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