Shells

DK Handbooks

by S. Peter Dance

The clearest and sharpest recognition guide to over 500 species of seashells from around the world.

Authoritative text, crystal-clear photography, and a systematic approach make this the most comprehensive and concise pocket guide to seashells of the world. Packed with more than 600 full-color photographs of over 500 species of seashells, this handy reference book is designed to cut through the complex process of identification and make it accessible to the average reader.

Expertly written and thoroughly vetted, each species entry combines a precise description with annotated photographs to highlight each shell's characteristics and distinguishing features. The entry always includes a distribution map, showing the geographical range of the species, as well as at-a-glance key facts. Packed with detailed information on the shape of each genus, differences between the major classes, and more, this is the clearest identification guide to seashells for beginners and established enthusiasts alike.

Genres: Reference, Science, Nonfiction, Nature, Environmental Science, Childrens, Natural History

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[alex ✧]

shells are so cool hehe

[Karen Lynn]

The text and photos are perfect for the identification of shells. There are a few in my collection that I struggled with and this was a useful tool.

[Madison]

shells are cool

[Monique Singer]

Simply phenomenal - a must read for everyone

[A Mig]

Certainly the best scholarly work on the history of shell collecting. Provides both an overview on the different eras (Wunderkammers, Linnaean, Lamarckian, 19th century explorers) and a treasure trove of collection catalogues and historical notices in the reference list. Unfortunately, due to the shear number of collectors in the 19th century, many are missing, but is in no way the author's fault.

[Rachelle]

Wonderfully put together with information on how to recognize, label, clean, tools to use, and much more. Once it shows the basics of how to start identifying your shell, then it breaks it down farther. Most of the pages are specific species and common names. Very informative with colorful detailed images. I just wish it had included sand dollars, I would have loved to learn more about them with this book.

[Rosalind Ferguson]

Prefaced by an introduction that includes information on collecting and labeling shells, maps, diagrams, categorizations and basic vocabulary, this beautifully illustrated guide with photographs covers all five classes of shells.

Excellent overview, details and resource.

[Thea Marlowe]

Excellent book/resource to identify shells.
I live in southeast, so many shells were not native to my area.

[Dinh Hong]

photos and description are great for collectors for reference! great resource for me till now! real shell encyclopedia ! unfortunately i also found it missed lots of shells as well

[Tori BookWorm22]

A true nerd out read.

[Philip]

Having just read Dance's quirky Out Of My Shell, I decided to revisit my probably-too-extensive shell library, beginning with a few of his other books.

Another shell guide from S. Peter Dance, this 2000 DK/Smithsonian publication is the exact opposite of his 1979 The Collector's Encyclopedia of Shells - beautifully designed (assuming you're a fan of DK's by-now-patented format) and printed, but providing just a snapshot overview of the various shell families. Still, should definitely be on any shell lover's bookshelf.



(Certainly an unfair and incomplete comparison, but interesting how the focus shifted from substance/facts to style/design over twenty years)

[Trina]

This is my day to be somewhat disappointed by books! This educational guide to shells is a bit frustrating if one lives near the Oregon/Washington coasts, as apparently none of our shells exist!?! No listings for the all the mussels, cockles, clams, and oysters we harvest here, but plenty of pictures for other locations. I guess I should be used to the omissions by now, I just wish people would quit moving here!

[Stacy Crandall]

Over 500 shells are listed from all over the world. Full cover pages are packed with information and great reference material.

[Stephanie Cox]

A great book filled with color photos that make it very easy to identify seashells.

[Sarah]

Neat book to learn about shells. Cool pictures.

[Panda1602]

Loved. A beautiful, interesting, reference book.