Between Pacific Tides  •  Edward F. Ricketts  •  Jack Calvin  •  Joel W. Hedgpeth  •  David W. Phillips  •  John Steinbeck FIELD GUIDE •  1992 •  PAPER  • 652 PAGES A handbook to the rocky shores and tide pools of the Pacific Coast of the United States, first published in 1939 and now in its fifth edition. After 50 years this standard reference still reflects Ed Ricketts' considerable personality and enthusiasm for tidepooling and marine biology. Each intertidal zone is discussed in depth, augmented by black-and-white photographs and diagrams. Much revised, this edition includes the original forward by John Steinbeck and a tribute to Ed Ricketts. (FG34, $31.95)
British Columbia Seashore Life  •  Pocket Naturalist FIELD GUIDE •  2005 •  PLASTIC CARD A fold-up, laminated card featuring color drawings and short descriptions of common marine plants, echinoderms, mollusks, crustaceans, nearshore fish, birds and mammals of British Columbia. (CND233, $5.95)
Cape Cod  •  Henry David Thoreau  •  Paul Theroux TRAVEL NARRATIVE •  1995 •  PAPER  • 319 PAGES In his signature style, Thoreau muses on the ocean and his surroundings, as he combs the beaches of Cape Cod. Though written nearly 150 years ago, his essay is a compelling, sardonic portrait of coastal Massachusetts, its human and natural history. Published posthumously, the book originated as a series of lectures, where (according to none other than Ralph Waldo Emerson) the audience "laughed till they cried." It takes as its form a diary, combining essay, travel, natural history and social commentary. (USE65, $14.00)
Cod, A Biography of a Fish that Changed the World  •  Mark Kurlansky NATURAL HISTORY •  1997 •  PAPER  • 294 PAGES A sparkling extended essay on the cod in the tradition of Lopez or McPhee, this marvelous book looks at the importance of the cod and the codfish industry over the centuries. It is an excellent, anecdotal economic history, throwing much light on the plight of the Grand Banks and fisheries in general. (OCE10, $15.00)
Coral Reef Fishes  •  Ewald Lieske  •  Robert Myers FIELD GUIDE •  2002 •  PAPER  • 400 PAGES A convenient handbook to shallow-water fishes associated with coral reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific and Caribbean, compact and comprehensive. With 2,500 illustrations covering 2,100 species worldwide. (DIV05, $24.95)
Darwin and the Barnacle, the Story of One Tiny Creature and History's Most Spectacular Scientific Breakthrough  •  Rebecca Stott NATURAL HISTORY •  2004 •  PAPER  • 336 PAGES In this surprisingly wonderful book, Rebecca Stott tackles Darwin's early and important interest in -- barnacles! Returning from his mind-altering, five-year voyage around the world, Darwin devoted eight years to a systematic study of the perplexing pedunculated cirripedes (showing definitively that they were highly modified custaceans), both winning the respect of fellow researchers and setting the groundwork for his ideas about evolution through natural selection. Stott pleasurably interweaves biography and science, capturing Darwin's love of nature. (NAT65, $14.95)
Deep-Ocean Journeys, Discovering New Life at the Bottom of the Sea  •  Cindy Lee Van Dover EXPLORATION •  1997 •  PAPER  • 208 PAGES A scientist and pilot of the Alvin, the author recounts her research in the great depths of the ocean, including a clear explanation of hydrothermal vents and associated marine life. Most of all it is a very good look at modern research. (OCE15, $14.00)
Diving & Snorkeling Bahamas  •  Steve Blount  •  Lisa Walker GUIDEBOOK •  2001 •  PAPER  • 175 PAGES A practical, illustrated guide to popular diving and snorkeling sites in Nassau and Providence Island. With an overview of marine flora and fauna, information on local attractions and an introduction to the region. Recommended for underwater enthusiasts. (CRB83, $16.99)
Diving and Snorkeling Guide to Australia's Great Barrier Reef  •  Len Zell FIELD GUIDE •  2006 •  PAPER  • 144 PAGES A practical, illustrated guide to diving and snorkeling sites in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Outer Coral Sea and Torres Strait. With a short overview of the marine setting, ecology, coral reefs and inhabitants. The 17 maps, and many aerial and underwater color photographs are reason enough for an interested diver or snorkerler to buy this slim book. (AUS27, $24.99)
Down Time, Great Writers on Diving  •  Ed Kittrell  •  Casey Kittrell  •  Jim Kittrell ANTHOLOGY •  1998 •  PAPER  • 262 PAGES A diverse anthology on the experience, pleasures and peril of diving by great writers, including William Beebe, Robert Stone, Diane Ackerman, Tim Cahill, and Adrienne Rich. It's a thoughtful, literary collection that communicates the rewards of being underwater. (DIV40, $15.95)
Essentials of Oceanography  •  Harold Thurman REFERENCE •  2008 •  PAPER  • 576 PAGES "How do the oceans work?" To help students find the answers, Trujillo and Thurman present in-depth and rigorous discussions of oceanographic concepts and demystify the science for the non-science student. Their systems approach highlights the interdisciplinary relationship between oceanographic phenomena and how those phenomena affect other Earth systems. Scientific information from geology, chemistry, physics, and biology is incorporated to illustrate how each of these disciplines relates to the ocean. (OCE41, $165.33)
A Field Guide to Pacific Coast Fishes  •  William Eschmeyer  •  Earl Herald  •  Howard Hammann  •  Roger Tory Peterson FIELD GUIDE •  1999 •  PAPER  • 336 PAGES Recently updated, this field guide, part of the Peterson series, describes the many fishes, including sharks and rays, found in Pacific coast waters. Illustrated with black-and-white and color drawings. (FG45, $20.00)
A Field Guide to Sea Stars and Other Echinoderms of the Galapagos  •  Cleveland P. Hickman FIELD GUIDE •  1998 •  PAPER  • 83 PAGES • HARD TO FIND ELSEWHERE A spiral-bound field guide illustrating 62 species of sea stars, urchins and sea cucumbers, including endemic species. With 100 color photographs and information on distribution and natural history. (GPS31, $18.95)
Field Guide to the Orca  •  Chuck Flaherty  •  David G. Gordon NATURAL HISTORY •  1990 •  PAPER This pocket book in the Sasquatch Field Guide series is a brief introduction of the ecology, natural history and conservation of the Orca. (BST06, $6.95)
The Fishes of the Galapagos Islands  •  Jack Grove  •  Robert Lavenberg FIELD GUIDE •  1997 •  HARD COVER  • 936 PAGES An essential reference with hundreds of color photographs and detailed information on range, distribution and natural history for 437 species. (GPS32, $140.00)
Fishwatcher's Field Guide Caribbean  •  Idaz Greenberg FIELD GUIDE •  PLASTIC CARD This double-sided plastic card shows 75 of the most commonly encountered reef fish of the Caribbean in full-color illustrations, convenient for the boat or beach. It's even got a hole punched in it to hang around your neck while snorkeling. (DIV11, $7.50)
Fishwatcher's Field Guide Indian Ocean  •  Idaz Greenberg FIELD GUIDE •  PLASTIC CARD This double-sided plastic card shows 70 of the most commonly encountered reef fish of the Indian Ocean in full-color illustrations, convenient for the boat or beach. It's even got a hole punched in it to hang around your neck while snorkeling. (FG17, $7.50)
Fishwatcher's Field Guide Red Sea  •  Jerry Greenberg FIELD GUIDE •  PLASTIC CARD This double-sided plastic card shows 64 of the most commonly encountered reef fish of the Red Sea in full-color illustrations, convenient for the boat or beach. It's even got a hole punched in it to hang around your neck while snorkeling. (DIV13, $7.50)
The Florida Manatee, Biology and Conservation  •  Roger Reep  •  Robert K. Bond NATURAL HISTORY •  2006 •  HARD COVER  • 189 PAGES Reeps and Bonde draw on 20 years of fieldwork on for this authoritative, illustrated primer for the interested general reader on the ecology, habits, habitats and conservation of the Manatee in Florida. (FLA66, $34.95)
General History of the Pyrates  •  Daniel Defoe HISTORY •  1999 •  PAPER  • 733 PAGES First published in 1724, Defoe's rich history captures the life and lore of early 18th century pirates. (OCE89, $19.95)
Gray Whales, Wandering Giants  •  Robert H. Busch NATURAL HISTORY •  1998 •  PAPER  • 144 PAGES Busch chronicles not just ecology and evolution of but also conservation, mythology and lore in this well-illustrated natural history of the gray whale. With 80 color photographs, including many underwater. (BJA14, $19.95)
Guardians of the Whales, The Quest to Study Whales in the Wild  •  Graeme M. Ellis  •  Bruce Obee NATURAL HISTORY •  1992 •  HARD COVER  • 188 PAGES A loving tribute to the whales of the Pacific Northwest and those who study them, this handsomely produced book includes long chapters on the orca, pacific gray, humpback and minke. With dozens of spectacular color photographs. (BST07, $34.95)
A Guide to Marine Coastal Plankton and Marine Invertebrate Larvae  •  Deboyd L. Smith  •  Kevin B. Johnson FIELD GUIDE •  1996 •  PAPER  • 238 PAGES A field guide and manual to collecting and studying the diverse marine plankton of coastal areas. With black-and-white drawings and a glossary. (DIV39, $60.00)
Hawaii's Fishes, A Guide for Snorkelers, Divers, and Aquarists  •  John P. Hoover FIELD GUIDE •  1993 •  PAPER  • 184 PAGES A colorful and thorough introduction to the fishes living off Hawaii's shores. Color photographs of over 250 local species, with common names in English and Hawaiian. A brief text accompanies each photo describing the habits of each, and where you're likely to find it. Highly recommended for anyone likely to do any snorkeling in the islands. (HWI26, $16.95)
Last Chance to See  •  Douglas Adams  •  Mark Carwardine NATURAL HISTORY •  1992 •  PAPER  • 222 PAGES A whirlwind visit to remote habitats around the world by two wonderfully entertaining traveling companions. Sponsored by BBC radio, Douglas Adams and Mark Cowardine traveled to Zaire, New Zealand, China, Mauritius and other far-flung places in search of endangered animals. Often hilarious, this book is also a portrait of threatened animals. This is such a wonderfully entertaining and informed book, we can forgive its focus on charismatic species. Adams is the author of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." Cawardine, a biologist, has been a staff zoologist for World Wildlife Fund. (CON04, $14.95)
Living Fossil, The Story of the Coelacanth  •  Keith Stewart Thomson NATURAL HISTORY •  1992 •  PAPER  • 256 PAGES Thomson relates the remarkable discovery of the long-thought-extinct fossil fish in the deep waters of the Mozambique channel and Comoros Islands. It's a great story and engaging account of the biology and conservation of a living fossil. (BST09, $9.95)
Manatees, Natural History & Conservation  •  James Powell NATURAL HISTORY •  2003 •  PAPER  • 72 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) In this attractive volume, descriptions of manatee life and behavior from leading naturalists and scientists are juxtaposed against stunning photography. (FLA67, $17.95)
Marine Invertebrates Indian Ocean and the Central Pacific  •  Idaz Greenberg FIELD GUIDE •  PLASTIC CARD This double-sided plastic card shows 50 of the most commonly encountered marine invertebrates of the Indian Ocean in full-color illustrations, convenient for the boat or beach. It's even got a hole punched in it to hang around your neck while snorkeling. (DIV15, $7.50)
Marine Invertebrates of Florida, the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Caribbean  •  Idaz Greenberg FIELD GUIDE •  PLASTIC CARD This double-sided plastic card shows 61 of the most commonly encountered reef corals, sponges and crustaceans of the Caribbean in full-color illustrations, convenient for the boat or beach. It's even got a hole punched in it to hang around your neck while snorkeling. (DIV12, $7.50)
Marine Invertebrates of the Pacific Northwest  •  Eugene Kozloff  •  Linda H. Price FIELD GUIDE •  1996 •  PAPER  • 539 PAGES A comprehensive guide to the marine invertebrates of the Pacific Northwest. Nearly 4,000 species are described, a good number of which are illustrated with photographs or drawings. (PNW61, $40.00)
National Audubon Society Field Guide to Tropical Marine Fishes: Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, the Bahamas and Bermu  •  C. Lavett Smith FIELD GUIDE •  1997 •  FLEXI-BOUND  • 720 PAGES A photographic guide to coral reef fishes found in the Caribbean, Florida, the Bahamas and Bermuda. This portable, pocket-size book features 417 excellent color photographs, each with a range map and description. Species are grouped according to taxonomy and shape. (FG24, $19.95)
A Natural History of Shells  •  Geerat Vermeij NATURAL HISTORY •  1993 •  PAPER  • 207 PAGES This elegant, beautifully illustrated volume is a fascinating look at the biology of shells. The author, a biologist fascinated by form, considers shells not only as stunning objects but also as the product of living organisms. It's a serious-minded book that provides a real appreciation and understanding of shells. (CRB14, $24.95)
The Norton Book of the Sea  •  J.O. Coote ANTHOLOGY •  1994 •  HARD COVER  • 406 PAGES A well chosen selection of stories about the sea. (GEN76, $22.50)
Ocean's End, Travels Through Endangered Seas  •  Colin Woodard  •  Paul Ehrlich NATURAL HISTORY •  2001 •  PAPER  • 320 PAGES Author Colin Woodard traveled the world, studying the diverse oceanic environments and threats to conservation, such as pollution, global warming and harmful fishing practices. He weaves science, personal experience and interviews into a convincing call to action. (OCE43, $15.00)
Out of the Channel, The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill in Prince William Sound  •  John Keeble  •  Natalie Fobes HISTORY •  1999 •  PAPER  • 350 PAGES First published in 1990, this book has been updated to reflect the impact of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, ten years after the event. Keeble includes material on the cause of the ship's grounding on Bligh Reef, the fate of Captain Hazelwood, the effects of the spill on the region's wildlife and humans, the 1993 fisherman's tanker blockade, and Exxon's response to the spill. Considered to be one of the most devastating ecological disasters of the twentieth century, the Exxon oil spill continues to raise questions about oil shipping procedures and environmental protection. (ALA86, $14.00)
The Presence of Whales, Contemporary Writers on the Whale  •  Frank Stewart NATURAL HISTORY •  1995 •  PAPER  • 319 PAGES In this well chosen series of essays, some of our best modern writers enlighten and entertain on the subject of whales. In addition to a number of reports from the Pacific Northwest, the collection includes a Roger Payne piece on the humpback, Diane Ackerman's essay on the right whales of Patagonia and Barry Lopez's extraordinary thoughts on the narwhal. (BST02, $15.95)
Reef Fish Identification  •  Paul Humann FIELD GUIDE •  2002 •  FLEXI-BOUND  • 400 PAGES The serious underwater enthusiast will enjoy Paul Humann's Reef Fish Identification, a 400-page essential reference with 670 color photographs. It includes all the fishes associated with Atlantic Ocean reefs along with those of neighboring marine habitats and several first-ever photographs of elusive species. (DIV03, $39.95)
Reef Identification, Galapagos  •  Paul Humann FIELD GUIDE •  2003 •  FLEXI-BOUND  • 200 PAGES A comprehensive photographic guide to the fishes of Galapagos. With its hundreds of well chosen color photographs and brief descriptions, this practical field guide is essential for underwater enthusiasts. Sturdy enough to take along on boat, it includes a map, checklist and brief overview of the archipelago. A revised second edition with many new photographs. (DIV04, $39.95)
The Sea Around Us  •  Rachel Carson NATURAL HISTORY •  2003 •  HARD COVER  • 288 PAGES An illustrated commemorative edition of Carson's influential, hugely popular paean to the sea and the interconnectedness of nature, featuring 130 color photographs. Carl Safina provides the forward. (OCE05, $49.95)
Sea Change, A Message of the Oceans  •  Sylvia Earle NATURAL HISTORY •  1995 •  PAPER  • 354 PAGES A tribute to our watery planet -- and real-life adventure story by Sylvia Earle, a World Wildlife Fund national council member and diving pioneer. In this book she introduces us to marine biology and recounts her many exploits underwater. Former chief scientist of NOAA (the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration), Earle has become our ambassador-at-large for the world's oceans. Using many examples of contemporary threats to the health of the world's oceans in this lively book, she takes us to the fish markets of Tokyo, sight of the Valdez disaster in Prince William Sound, and to the Persian Gulf. The book concludes with a detailed, constructive plan of what we must do to preserve our ocean resources. (OCE01, $13.95)
Sea of Cortez Marine Animals  •  Daniel W. Gotshall FIELD GUIDE •  2005 •  PAPER  • 112 PAGES A handy photographic guide to 191 common species of fish and 65 kinds of marine invertebrates from Baja to Panama. Essential for snorkelers. (BJA06, $24.95)
Sea of Slaughter, A Chronicle of the Destruction of Animal Life in the North Atlantic  •  Farley Mowat NATURAL HISTORY •  2004 •  PAPER  • 448 PAGES This massively researched book documents human exploitation of the marine resources of the North Atlantic, including a blow-by-blow account of the extinction of the Great Auk, a long chapter on the Basque whaling industry and much information on the cod. This influential book was originally published in 1984. (OCE07, $16.95)
Seals and Sea Lions of the World  •  Nigel Bonner FIELD GUIDE •  2004 •  HARD COVER  • 224 PAGES An accessible, comprehensive overview of the pinnipeds. With wit and grace, Bonner outlines the evolutionary history, biology and ecology and behavior of seals, sea lions and walruses. Five chapters are devoted to a species-by-species account, superbly illustrated. The last chapters tackle the complex and sometimes controversial issues of the relationship of seals and humans. (FG05, $35.00)
Seashore Life of the Northern Pacific Coast, An Illustrated Guide to Northern California, Oregon, Washington & British Columb  •  Eugene Kozloff FIELD GUIDE •  1983 •  PAPER  • 370 PAGES A comprehensive handbook to the marine life found along the northern Pacific coasts of North America with 700 illustrations, many in color. Organized by habitat, it's an excellent reference to more than 650 species found on rocky shores, sandy beaches, marshes and around floating docks in Puget Sound and surrounding waters. Originally published in 1973 and often revised. (PNW60, $29.95)
Shells of Hawaii  •  E. Alison Kay  •  Olive Schoenberg-Dole FIELD GUIDE •  1991 •  PAPER  • 89 PAGES A slim but colorful (and erudite) volume on Hawaii's shells, both marine and freshwater. Features color photographs of more than 300 species of mollusks, and brief introductory chapters on the ecology and habits. Alas, only scientific names are provided. (HWI28, $12.95)
Shells, Guide to the Jewels of the Sea  •  Giorgio Gabbi SCIENCE •  2000 •  HARD COVER  • 168 PAGES A nicely illustrated overview of the biology, habitats and beauty of shells, featuring color photographs of marine mollusks in their natural habitat. With drawings and tips on shell collection. The author writes a monthly column on shells. (OCE52, $45.00)
Shells, The Photographic Recognition Guide to Seashells of the World  •  S. Peter Dance  •  Matthew Ward FIELD GUIDE •  2002 •  FLEXI-BOUND  • 254 PAGES A photographic guide to 600 species of shells worldwide with range maps and descriptions. This is one of several excellent field guides in the Smithsonian Handbook series. (OCE53, $20.00)
The Silent World  •  Jacques Cousteau BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR •  2004 •  PAPER  • 220 PAGES "When you dive, you begin to feel that you're an angel," wrote the celebrated explorer, inventor and personality Jacques Cousteau. This 50th anniversary edition of Cousteau's internationally best-selling memoir relives his invention of SCUBA (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) and his first experiences with underwater exploration, while above ground, occupied France was caught in the throes of World War II. With 24 photographs. (OCE86, $13.00)
Smithsonian Handbook: Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises  •  Mark Carwardine FIELD GUIDE •  2002 •  PAPER  • 256 PAGES In the trademark, graphic Eyewitness style, this sturdy guidebook colorfully describes the world's cetaceans with numerous illustrations, range maps, fluke drawings and a few paragraphs on each species. (FG02, $20.00)
Snorkeling Guide to Marine Life  •  Paul Humann FIELD GUIDE •  1995 •  PAPER  • 80 PAGES A compact guide illustrating all the fishes, corals, invertebrates and plants you are most likely to encounter in less than 15 feet of water in the Caribbean. Humann's photographs are among the best we've seen for identification -- and its handy size makes it perfect to take along in the boat or to the beach. (DIV02, $14.95)
The Snorkeller's Guide to the Coral Reef, From the Red Sea to the Pacific Ocean  •  Paddy Ryan  •  Peter Atkinson NATURAL HISTORY •  1994 •  PAPER  • 184 PAGES An illustrated overview of coral reefs, coral reef fishes, invertebrates and plants of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, this compact book is an excellent resource for anyone thinking of exploring the underwater world. Beginners will appreciate the chapters on learning to snorkel, reef etiquette, photography hints and first aid. With 200 color photographs. (DIV18, $19.95)
Song for the Blue Ocean, Encounters Along the World's Coasts and Beneath the Seas  •  Carl Safina NATURAL HISTORY •  1999 •  PAPER  • 458 PAGES A grand tour of our blue planet, divided geographically, this book is an excellent resource -- fascinating to read and full of hope. It combines a personal journey, hundreds of interviews with fisherman and scientists around the world, and a tour of important watery habitats. (OCE09, $18.00)
The Windward Road, Adventures of A Naturalist on Remote Caribbean Shores  •  Archie Carr NATURAL HISTORY •  1979 •  PAPER  • 266 PAGES Originally published in 1956, this book is a delightful record of people and islands. Nominally the story of his adventures in search of sea turtles, the book ranges over wide territory, including Tobago and Costa Rica. (CRB08, $16.95)
World Atlas of the Oceans  •  Manfred Leier REFERENCE •  2001 •  HARD COVER  • 264 PAGES A glorious, illustrated overview of our watery planet, featuring 200 new relief maps and the first publication, in book form, of the General Bathymetic Chart. The maps themselves are fascinating and the accompanying essays on weather, piracy, ice and icebergs, currents, and the world's oceans are excellent. With hundreds of color photographs and maps. (OCE63, $50.00)