A compact, illustrated guide to coastal marine mammals and seabirds of the circumpolar north featuring handsome watercolor illustrations by Dan Powell and lively text on the natural history of each species by intrepid expedition leader and bird-lover Tony Soper. An essential handbook for the ship-based traveler. With a brief overview of history, short chapters on plants and invertebrates, and a glossary of snow and ice.  (ARC85, $21.95)