Beautiful Shells: George Perry's Conchology

by Mark Carnall

192 pages, Hardcover

Published November 21, 2024

Reviews

[Zoë]

Marrying the aesthetic beauty of nature with intellectual curiosity, Beautiful Shells: George Perry's Conchology delights as a reintroduction to a stunning but forgotten volume. Originally published in the early 19th century, Perry's Conchology, despite its scientific inaccuracies by modern standards, was an admirable and visually splendid illustrated catalog of shells that regrettably faded into obscurity. Contemporary authorship rehabilitates Perry's stunning work with excellent flair.

Shells, with intricate patterns, delicate structures, and worldwide presence, inherently intrigue humans. This book unveils the fascinating mollusk adaptations and growth patterns driving this perceived divine design. Ongoing ecological mysteries and petty historical drama within the conchology community further highlight the dynamic legacy of scientific discovery. The book's charm is undeniably amplified by Carnall's voice: witty, insightful, and distinctly British. The prose maintains an intellectual yet humorous tone, making details accessible and engaging.

This absorbing volume, through a skillful blend of historical reintroduction and current scientific insight, delivers an illuminating and enjoyable exploration into the world of shells.

[MKF · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plates of shells are pretty but I had expected a book of actual photographs of these shells.

[Keegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy to be the first review! This book is a very beautiful coffee table book, that shares info on the different kinds of shells and how they have evolved over time. I appreciated the simplicity of the book, as it wasn’t trying to do too much. Maybe it’s because I don’t live by a beach but I had not realized there was that many different kinds of shells, but was glad to be humbled. Overall was educational, beautiful, and minimalist.