What do you think?
Rate this book
Wild Seas
One of @NatGeo's most popular nature photographers shares 200 breathtaking images -- and the stories behind them -- from a wide swath of wild ocean locales around the globe.
From gregarious gray whales plying the waters of Baja California to acrobatic manta rays in the Maldives and parading penguins in Antarctica, National Geographic photographer Thomas Peschak has spent a lifetime documenting the beauty and fragility of underwater life and the majesty of wild coastlines.
This awe-inspiring book of photography charts his transformation from marine biologist to full-time conservation advocate, armed with little more than a mask, fins and a camera. In these vivid pages, Peschak photographs sharks in a feeding frenzy, tracks sea turtles the size of bears, and dodges marine poachers, to reveal the splendor of pristine seas as well as the dark side of pollution, overfishing, and climate change.
Filled with magnificent images from Southern Africa, the Galápagos, Seychelles, and more, this illuminating collection offers an impassioned case for revering―and preserving―the world’s oceans.
From gregarious gray whales plying the waters of Baja California to acrobatic manta rays in the Maldives and parading penguins in Antarctica, National Geographic photographer Thomas Peschak has spent a lifetime documenting the beauty and fragility of underwater life and the majesty of wild coastlines.
This awe-inspiring book of photography charts his transformation from marine biologist to full-time conservation advocate, armed with little more than a mask, fins and a camera. In these vivid pages, Peschak photographs sharks in a feeding frenzy, tracks sea turtles the size of bears, and dodges marine poachers, to reveal the splendor of pristine seas as well as the dark side of pollution, overfishing, and climate change.
Filled with magnificent images from Southern Africa, the Galápagos, Seychelles, and more, this illuminating collection offers an impassioned case for revering―and preserving―the world’s oceans.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 11, 2008
1 person is currently reading
2166 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 6, 2021
A very big thank you to @natgeo and @tlcbooktours for this gorgeous book.. This book came at the perfect time, this book would make a great holiday / hotels gift.. It looks so nice on my coffee table
This book is loaded with the most beautiful pictures of sea life.. I love the ocean and all that it holds.. The vastness of the ocean is a very powerful feeling for me.. All the amazing life that lives in the ocean is simply amazing..
This picture of the marine iguanas is my husbands favorite and one that scares the hell out of me.. lol
I have watch many shows on this amazing iguana and this photo is truly breathtaking, they are a truly something to see, beautiful and a bit scary at the same time..
All the photos in this book capture sea life beautifully, if you are lover of nature books or sea life this book is worth looking into..
This book is loaded with the most beautiful pictures of sea life.. I love the ocean and all that it holds.. The vastness of the ocean is a very powerful feeling for me.. All the amazing life that lives in the ocean is simply amazing..
This picture of the marine iguanas is my husbands favorite and one that scares the hell out of me.. lol
I have watch many shows on this amazing iguana and this photo is truly breathtaking, they are a truly something to see, beautiful and a bit scary at the same time..
All the photos in this book capture sea life beautifully, if you are lover of nature books or sea life this book is worth looking into..
March 1, 2024
***Warning: Graphic and gory content, a few mature themes***
First of all I am going to be honest upfront I am only giving this book three stars for the majority of its photographs that were breathtaking and beautiful. For those works that actually carried me under the sea and upon its bordering shores to show me what an amazing world these watery realms were. Furthermore there were some portions of the book that were also quite well-written, which may have contributed to the rest of this rating otherwise the book would be more likely a 2 Stars for me.
My first complaint with this book is the fact that the title and starting quote are a bit of a mis-title. The reason why I state this is the fact that Thomas Peschak takes the time to not only explore the oceans but some of the lands that border the wild seas thus the book isn't just about wildlife that lies hidden beneath the ocean's surface. And don't get me wrong I love the extra addition but seas just implies a portion of what can be found here.
Secondly another portion of the starting quote states that the book's author is meant to be a matchmaker but then he intends to woo me with photographs that can flip a sensitive belly and would best be left outside the field of courting. And yes I understand in some cases the inclusion of some of those more macabre photos and dark subjects but don't tell me that you are trying to woo my interest to do so.
What follows for the reader is then a 31-page gallery of photographs and captions before the book even reaches its actual Introduction. This portion of the book basically gives a brief autobiography of the author, what influenced his decision to get into the field and what it means to actually live this life. There is an interesting undersea photo on page 35 but since it is a part of a collage there is no explanation as to what it is meant to portray while nowhere else does it seem to appear in the book either.
The rest of the book then goes into exploring various groups of creatures and uses them as a theme along with a subtitle so you know what is being introduced. The first part of each chapter explores the animals in their habitat while the end portion looks into the problems that these are animals are facing along with some of those questionable photographs. From there the reader is then redirected to a different theme in the chapter through the section known as Field Discovery.
Other problems that I find relate to some of the prior problems that were previously mentioned for in one of his more ghastly inclusions the author chose to provide a photograph of a young living bird (fortunately the bird doesn't look to be a fresh chick) that has been scalped by mice along with a caption, which is basically a repetition of the information that was included in the chapter's introduction just before the gruesome sight thus subjecting the reader to it not once but twice.
There is also some political peacocking at the end of the book with the author providing readers with ways they can help better the world. The author does go into the usual eat less meat, drive and/or take planes less (although he uses them steadfastly for his job, which surprisingly he at least acknowledges later on), plan for smaller families, consume less & use renewable energy without getting too preachy like others that attempt to do the same. At the same time, though, he does have other off-balances such as when he pushes for how much shores need to be protected but then encourages readers to explore beaches and tide pools or to go diving thus bothering animals in their natural and sometimes fragile habitats.
All in all the book was most definitely interesting and had some good writing mostly throughout. It was just unfortunately the inclusion of such gruesome and macabre portions as well as the political bent that stopped me from enjoying it so much more than I probably would have originally. Otherwise those who are into nature photography, nature itself and conservation will most definitely appreciate this book just as long as they can overlook some of the darker subjects.
First of all I am going to be honest upfront I am only giving this book three stars for the majority of its photographs that were breathtaking and beautiful. For those works that actually carried me under the sea and upon its bordering shores to show me what an amazing world these watery realms were. Furthermore there were some portions of the book that were also quite well-written, which may have contributed to the rest of this rating otherwise the book would be more likely a 2 Stars for me.
My first complaint with this book is the fact that the title and starting quote are a bit of a mis-title. The reason why I state this is the fact that Thomas Peschak takes the time to not only explore the oceans but some of the lands that border the wild seas thus the book isn't just about wildlife that lies hidden beneath the ocean's surface. And don't get me wrong I love the extra addition but seas just implies a portion of what can be found here.
Secondly another portion of the starting quote states that the book's author is meant to be a matchmaker but then he intends to woo me with photographs that can flip a sensitive belly and would best be left outside the field of courting. And yes I understand in some cases the inclusion of some of those more macabre photos and dark subjects but don't tell me that you are trying to woo my interest to do so.
What follows for the reader is then a 31-page gallery of photographs and captions before the book even reaches its actual Introduction. This portion of the book basically gives a brief autobiography of the author, what influenced his decision to get into the field and what it means to actually live this life. There is an interesting undersea photo on page 35 but since it is a part of a collage there is no explanation as to what it is meant to portray while nowhere else does it seem to appear in the book either.
The rest of the book then goes into exploring various groups of creatures and uses them as a theme along with a subtitle so you know what is being introduced. The first part of each chapter explores the animals in their habitat while the end portion looks into the problems that these are animals are facing along with some of those questionable photographs. From there the reader is then redirected to a different theme in the chapter through the section known as Field Discovery.
Other problems that I find relate to some of the prior problems that were previously mentioned for in one of his more ghastly inclusions the author chose to provide a photograph of a young living bird (fortunately the bird doesn't look to be a fresh chick) that has been scalped by mice along with a caption, which is basically a repetition of the information that was included in the chapter's introduction just before the gruesome sight thus subjecting the reader to it not once but twice.
There is also some political peacocking at the end of the book with the author providing readers with ways they can help better the world. The author does go into the usual eat less meat, drive and/or take planes less (although he uses them steadfastly for his job, which surprisingly he at least acknowledges later on), plan for smaller families, consume less & use renewable energy without getting too preachy like others that attempt to do the same. At the same time, though, he does have other off-balances such as when he pushes for how much shores need to be protected but then encourages readers to explore beaches and tide pools or to go diving thus bothering animals in their natural and sometimes fragile habitats.
All in all the book was most definitely interesting and had some good writing mostly throughout. It was just unfortunately the inclusion of such gruesome and macabre portions as well as the political bent that stopped me from enjoying it so much more than I probably would have originally. Otherwise those who are into nature photography, nature itself and conservation will most definitely appreciate this book just as long as they can overlook some of the darker subjects.
July 2, 2022
Stunning. 200 pictures was not enough!
December 13, 2021
Are you ready for a captivating journey into and around the ocean? These beautiful photographs will carry you into a world that many aren’t that familiar with. One that is full of wonder, mysteries, and even sadness.
I was immediately enthralled by the relaxing feel of the book. Each page told a story. And at no time did it feel overwhelming with textbook-type information.
We begin with the story behind Thomas Peschak’s attraction to the ocean and its living inhabitants.
Peschak, a man passionate about the sea and its creatures, once worked as a marine biologist. But when poachers raided his research project and he couldn’t gain much attention about the fragility of the sea, he tried another tactic. He decided to develop his photography skills and inform people through that avenue.
The beginning of this book captured my interest immediately. The pictures and short descriptions made it jump to the top of my favorites in this category.
My Concerns
If you’re not capable of carrying a 12” x 11” almost 3 lb book, you might want to place it on your coffee table or end table for guests to enjoy. You will be doing your part to share an important story. (I’ve never posted a tongue-in-cheek under this heading, but there’s a first for everything…and perhaps a last.)
Final Thoughts
This is an informational and easy-to-read book that will attract nearly all ages. I wouldn’t hesitate to sit down and read this with an elementary-aged child. And I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase it for an elderly reader.
It’s an easy book for me to recommend. Don’t overlook it.
I’ll be loading my copy onto a wheelbarrow and carting it over to the coffee table. Then I’ll direct everyone to take a look at my gorgeous book.
My thanks to TLCBookTours and the Publisher for a copy of this book and the ability to review it without stipulations
I was immediately enthralled by the relaxing feel of the book. Each page told a story. And at no time did it feel overwhelming with textbook-type information.
We begin with the story behind Thomas Peschak’s attraction to the ocean and its living inhabitants.
Peschak, a man passionate about the sea and its creatures, once worked as a marine biologist. But when poachers raided his research project and he couldn’t gain much attention about the fragility of the sea, he tried another tactic. He decided to develop his photography skills and inform people through that avenue.
The beginning of this book captured my interest immediately. The pictures and short descriptions made it jump to the top of my favorites in this category.
My Concerns
If you’re not capable of carrying a 12” x 11” almost 3 lb book, you might want to place it on your coffee table or end table for guests to enjoy. You will be doing your part to share an important story. (I’ve never posted a tongue-in-cheek under this heading, but there’s a first for everything…and perhaps a last.)
Final Thoughts
This is an informational and easy-to-read book that will attract nearly all ages. I wouldn’t hesitate to sit down and read this with an elementary-aged child. And I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase it for an elderly reader.
It’s an easy book for me to recommend. Don’t overlook it.
I’ll be loading my copy onto a wheelbarrow and carting it over to the coffee table. Then I’ll direct everyone to take a look at my gorgeous book.
My thanks to TLCBookTours and the Publisher for a copy of this book and the ability to review it without stipulations
December 8, 2021
Opening Thomas Peschak's new book, Wild Seas, is an amazing experience. Full color photos spread across the initial pages, and continue on almost every subsequent page, generally with brief captions clarifying what each image presents, and where it was captured. It's almost as though one is stepping into an art exhibit rather than merely turning pages in a book, and, in fact, there have been exhibits that included some of the photos from this piece.
But Wild Seas is more than just pretty pictures. It also tells a story: Peschak's own story, in which we learn about his childhood, his educational background, and what drew him to a great love of our planet's oceans and their inhabitants, and how that love led to a career as one of National Geographic's most popular lensmen. It is that story that had me turning page after page. The pictures, of course, are amazing, but the glimpse at the artist who took them, is equally so.
Ecology, oceanography, marine biology, and art all coalesce in this beautiful book. It's heavy - the kind of book you leave on the coffee table so you can pick it up every so often and revisit your favorite sections (for me, it's the chapters on Manta Rays and Sharks) - and that your friends will gush over when you see it.
As the quotation goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words." In Wild Seas, Thomas Peschak shows that with words and with photos, he's a serious storyteller.
Goes well with: Steamed mussels with garlic and butter, and a crisp Pinot Grigio.
But Wild Seas is more than just pretty pictures. It also tells a story: Peschak's own story, in which we learn about his childhood, his educational background, and what drew him to a great love of our planet's oceans and their inhabitants, and how that love led to a career as one of National Geographic's most popular lensmen. It is that story that had me turning page after page. The pictures, of course, are amazing, but the glimpse at the artist who took them, is equally so.
Ecology, oceanography, marine biology, and art all coalesce in this beautiful book. It's heavy - the kind of book you leave on the coffee table so you can pick it up every so often and revisit your favorite sections (for me, it's the chapters on Manta Rays and Sharks) - and that your friends will gush over when you see it.
As the quotation goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words." In Wild Seas, Thomas Peschak shows that with words and with photos, he's a serious storyteller.
Goes well with: Steamed mussels with garlic and butter, and a crisp Pinot Grigio.
December 16, 2021
For more reviews and bookish posts visit: https://www.ManOfLaBook.com
Wild Seas by Thomas Peschak is a photography book of underwater worlds. Mr. Peschak is one of National Geographic’s most popular photojournalists.
Wild Seas by Thomas Peschak is truly and awe-inspiring book. The journey starts almost immediately into the ocean with beautiful double page photograph of a gray whale in Bajaj California, and it gets better.
Each photograph is accompanied by a short caption which describes it, a well as the location it was taken. The author has divided the book into categories, so you can find your favorite, or most interesting, subject.
Mr. Peschak also talks about his childhood, how his interest in photography and the sea started, as well as research and fragility of the oceans. The text is very interesting but a bit difficult to read in such a large format (around 11.1” x 12.55” according to the listing).
The book doesn’t shy away from the ugly parts of the ocean. From the way climate change is affecting the sea life, to nets and plastics which find their way to onto the animals. After seeing the majesty of the previous images, seeing how the seas are being ruined is simply infuriating.
But that’s probably the point, isn’t it?
I have been on several tours to see whales, dolphins, and other sea life. We did see many of them, but never at such clarity, I can’t imagine the time it took to get even one of these shots.
This is a big book, and quite heavy. It’s a coffee table book but a ton of fun to flip through
Wild Seas by Thomas Peschak is a photography book of underwater worlds. Mr. Peschak is one of National Geographic’s most popular photojournalists.
Wild Seas by Thomas Peschak is truly and awe-inspiring book. The journey starts almost immediately into the ocean with beautiful double page photograph of a gray whale in Bajaj California, and it gets better.
Each photograph is accompanied by a short caption which describes it, a well as the location it was taken. The author has divided the book into categories, so you can find your favorite, or most interesting, subject.
Mr. Peschak also talks about his childhood, how his interest in photography and the sea started, as well as research and fragility of the oceans. The text is very interesting but a bit difficult to read in such a large format (around 11.1” x 12.55” according to the listing).
The book doesn’t shy away from the ugly parts of the ocean. From the way climate change is affecting the sea life, to nets and plastics which find their way to onto the animals. After seeing the majesty of the previous images, seeing how the seas are being ruined is simply infuriating.
But that’s probably the point, isn’t it?
I have been on several tours to see whales, dolphins, and other sea life. We did see many of them, but never at such clarity, I can’t imagine the time it took to get even one of these shots.
This is a big book, and quite heavy. It’s a coffee table book but a ton of fun to flip through
February 8, 2022
I received this book in a giveaway. This is my honest opinion.
Beautiful pictures. Right of National Geographic alley. What was expected. No surprises.
From the whales in Baja California, to the penguins in Antarctica, it kept me wanting to stay on the page and just look at the beautiful sea animals for a bit longer. l loved the Manta Rays, having petted the Bat Rays at Sea World in San Diego.
I can't say enough about this book. A definite must of nature lovers, art enthusiasts, and a needed addition to any coffee table or bookshelf - needs to be on displayl.
Beautiful pictures. Right of National Geographic alley. What was expected. No surprises.
From the whales in Baja California, to the penguins in Antarctica, it kept me wanting to stay on the page and just look at the beautiful sea animals for a bit longer. l loved the Manta Rays, having petted the Bat Rays at Sea World in San Diego.
I can't say enough about this book. A definite must of nature lovers, art enthusiasts, and a needed addition to any coffee table or bookshelf - needs to be on displayl.
February 22, 2024
Rating for the photos only even though a few are bit gorey and depressing at times.
June 28, 2016
I reviewed this book here: http://www.learntodivetoday.co.za/blo...
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews