Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Knopf; 1 edition
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0375403744
ISBN-13: 978-0375403743
Encyclopedia of the Sea, Knopf 2001
Biologist Ellis’s previous books have made him America’s foremost writer on marine research. His 10th is a mighty reference work, encompassing in thousands of alphabetical entries not just the fish, plants and invertebrates that populate the world’s oceans, but also its geography, geology, human uses and colorful history. Ellis aims to produce both a catalogue of facts and definitions, and a volume for recreational browsers; though it won’t supplant more specialized compendia, it succeeds on both counts. Those hungry for facts about the fish ‘n’ chips staple plaice will also learn on the same page that early bony fish placoderms might have grown to 30 feet long. Data hunters might be disappointed that Ellis rarely offers references or further reading. But these complaints pale beside the great range of information Ellis has single-handedly assembled, and the fun to be had as readers survey it. Eight pages of color paintings and 471 illustrations, all by Ellis, adorn the work. -Publishers Weekly
