Shells

by Starosta, Paul

• ISBN13: 9781554073214
• ISBN10: 1554073219
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2007-09-14
• Publisher: Firefly Books Ltd

Summary

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.

Author Biography

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.

Table of Contents

From Nature to Architecture Paolo Portoghesi

A World of Curiosities

The Art of the Sea Shells

Classifications

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

Excerpts

Excerpted from A World of CuriositiesTo admire a shell is to unconsciously pay homage to the mollusk that created it. These animals, the epitome of softness and slowness, are in reality formidable builders, capable of an architectural prowess probably unsurpassed in the animal kingdom. With about 120,000 species, each acutely different from each other, these creatures have not yet ceased to astonish us as they reveal their myriad wonders. It is enough to satisfy the curiosity of a collector for an entire lifetime. Proof of this lies in the exceptional collection of Jacques and Rita Senders, which was started 50 years ago and continues to grow, fueled by the same enthusiasm as that of their very first day of collecting. The photographs in this book (which display only a sampling of that collection) give the reader a glimpse of the extraordinary diversity of these animals.