- 1996 edition. 139 pages
- Published by Bracken Books / Random House UK Ltd.
- Hardcover with dust jacket. Red boards. Book approx size is 28cm long x 25.5cm wide.
- Very good condition. Minor scuffs to dust jacket.
Illustrated.
Originally published in 1852, this comprehensive and magnificently illustrated study of shells entices the reader into a world of beauty and the quiet contemplation of some of the smaller, but no less wonderful, creations of nature.
George Sowerby has here combined his own meticulous research with the work of great natural historians such as Lamarck and De Blainville. He begins by defining a shell, its structure and growth, the habits and characteristics of land, freshwater and sea shells, and progresses to more detailed descriptions of particular genera.His text, lucid and resonant with descriptive clarity, is enhanced by fine black and white wood cuts.
The main part of this voulme, a conchological directory, is arranged alphabetically and complemented throughout by Sowerby's own exquisite colour engravings. Aphrodite, Boar's Tusk, Mother of Pearl, Nogrobs, Saddle Oyster and Scissurella are just a few of the rare specimens so vividly depicted.
Ranking among the great classics in the world fo natural history, this is a book to be cherished by the shell collector, student of conchology and the natural history illustrator.
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