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Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish
In this mesmerizing book of photography, acclaimed photographer David Liittschwager reveals the unnerving beauty of three notoriously mysterious sea creatures--the jellyfish, octopus, and seahorse--and how they perceive the world.
The jellyfish, the octopus, and the seahorse are among the most wondrous species on Earth--as well as some of the most difficult to document using traditional photography methods. Enter celebrated photographer David Liittschwager, who has spent decades developing specialized portraiture techniques to capture these creatures’ pulsating bioluminescence, translucent bodies, and ethereal movements.
This luminous collection showcases 200 of Liittschwager’s most revealing photographs, paired with penetrating essays that explain how a creature without a brain or without bones perceives the world. Bestselling science writers Elizabeth Kolbert, Jennifer Holland, and Olivia Judson explain the biology and advanced cognitive abilities of these spineless denizens of the deep, exquisitely evoking their unnerving yet undeniable charisma. In these pages, you’ll glimpse a seahorse only half an inch tall, a moon jelly spinning off a snowflake-shaped clone, and the blinking comb jelly, which may be the most ancient living animal on Earth.
Both enlightening and profound, this enchanting book documents the expanding frontiers of marine science, creating a powerful testament to the value and beauty of these little-seen--and endangered--species.
The jellyfish, the octopus, and the seahorse are among the most wondrous species on Earth--as well as some of the most difficult to document using traditional photography methods. Enter celebrated photographer David Liittschwager, who has spent decades developing specialized portraiture techniques to capture these creatures’ pulsating bioluminescence, translucent bodies, and ethereal movements.
This luminous collection showcases 200 of Liittschwager’s most revealing photographs, paired with penetrating essays that explain how a creature without a brain or without bones perceives the world. Bestselling science writers Elizabeth Kolbert, Jennifer Holland, and Olivia Judson explain the biology and advanced cognitive abilities of these spineless denizens of the deep, exquisitely evoking their unnerving yet undeniable charisma. In these pages, you’ll glimpse a seahorse only half an inch tall, a moon jelly spinning off a snowflake-shaped clone, and the blinking comb jelly, which may be the most ancient living animal on Earth.
Both enlightening and profound, this enchanting book documents the expanding frontiers of marine science, creating a powerful testament to the value and beauty of these little-seen--and endangered--species.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2022
4 people are currently reading
3094 people want to read
About the author
David Liittschwager
9 books20 followersDavid Liittschwager is a freelance photographer who grew up in Eugene, Oregon. Between 1983 and 1986, he worked as an assistant to Richard Avedon in New York City. After working in advertising, he turned his skills to portraiture with an emphasis on natural history subjects.
Now a contributing photographer to National Geographic and other magazines, Liittschwager is also a successful book author. In 2002 he produced the books Skulls and X-Ray Ichthyology: The Structure of Fishes for the California Academy of Sciences. Liittschwager’s books in collaboration with Susan Middleton include Archipelago, Remains of a Rainbow, Witness, and Here Today.
Recipient of an Endangered Species Coalition Champion Award for Education and Outreach and a Bay & Paul Foundation Biodiversity Leadership Award, Liittschwager lectures and shows his work in both fine art and natural history contexts. His photographs have been exhibited at many museums, including the American Museumhere of Natural History in New York City; the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C.; the Honolulu Academy of Art in Hawaii; and currently at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco.
Liittschwager was honored with a 2008 World Press Photo Award for his article on marine microfauna, which appeared in the November 2007 issue of National Geographic magazine. He lives in San Francisco.
Now a contributing photographer to National Geographic and other magazines, Liittschwager is also a successful book author. In 2002 he produced the books Skulls and X-Ray Ichthyology: The Structure of Fishes for the California Academy of Sciences. Liittschwager’s books in collaboration with Susan Middleton include Archipelago, Remains of a Rainbow, Witness, and Here Today.
Recipient of an Endangered Species Coalition Champion Award for Education and Outreach and a Bay & Paul Foundation Biodiversity Leadership Award, Liittschwager lectures and shows his work in both fine art and natural history contexts. His photographs have been exhibited at many museums, including the American Museumhere of Natural History in New York City; the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C.; the Honolulu Academy of Art in Hawaii; and currently at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco.
Liittschwager was honored with a 2008 World Press Photo Award for his article on marine microfauna, which appeared in the November 2007 issue of National Geographic magazine. He lives in San Francisco.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
October 22, 2021
4.5 ☆
David Liittschwager provided the gorgeous, stunning photographs for Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish. This glossy coffee table book has three chapters each penned by a different contributor:
▪︎ Octopus by Olivia Judson, an evolutionary biologist
▪︎ Seahorse by Jennifer Holland
▪︎ Jellyfish by Elizabeth Kolbert, who wrote The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History
I received a sample with only 16 pages (about 5 percent of the 256-page book). This segment consists mostly of photographs, which are spectacular - truly 10 stars worthy!! As long as the narrative is decent, this will be a 5 star book that anybody interested in sealife will be pleased to possess. But since my book ratings are based on a book's entirety, the narrative portion of the sample was too small to confer an unqualified 5 stars. My rating is thus 4.5 stars, rounded down.
Thank you to the authors, National Geographic and Netgalley for providing me with a digital sample ARC in exchange for an honest review. This review is based upon an uncorrected proof (ISBN 978-1-4262-2179-8). Publication date is April 5, 2022.
David Liittschwager provided the gorgeous, stunning photographs for Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish. This glossy coffee table book has three chapters each penned by a different contributor:
▪︎ Octopus by Olivia Judson, an evolutionary biologist
▪︎ Seahorse by Jennifer Holland
▪︎ Jellyfish by Elizabeth Kolbert, who wrote The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History
I received a sample with only 16 pages (about 5 percent of the 256-page book). This segment consists mostly of photographs, which are spectacular - truly 10 stars worthy!! As long as the narrative is decent, this will be a 5 star book that anybody interested in sealife will be pleased to possess. But since my book ratings are based on a book's entirety, the narrative portion of the sample was too small to confer an unqualified 5 stars. My rating is thus 4.5 stars, rounded down.
Thank you to the authors, National Geographic and Netgalley for providing me with a digital sample ARC in exchange for an honest review. This review is based upon an uncorrected proof (ISBN 978-1-4262-2179-8). Publication date is April 5, 2022.
January 10, 2022
Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish
by David Liittschwager, Elizabeth Kolbert
I received a sample of 16 pages from NetGalley to judge this book. If it were any other publisher than National Geographic I would hesitate to rate what I have not read. What I did see was typical gorgeous photography you would expect from NatGeo. The little script that was there could be suited for any age. This had sea life, my favorite!
Since I drool all over NatGeo magazines but especially their nature books, I have no doubt in the least that the rest of the book will be as mesmerizing as all of their other books! So I don't hesitate at all to give a positive rating for this book based on what I have seen and the reputation of these delightfully, educational, and entertaining books!
by David Liittschwager, Elizabeth Kolbert
I received a sample of 16 pages from NetGalley to judge this book. If it were any other publisher than National Geographic I would hesitate to rate what I have not read. What I did see was typical gorgeous photography you would expect from NatGeo. The little script that was there could be suited for any age. This had sea life, my favorite!
Since I drool all over NatGeo magazines but especially their nature books, I have no doubt in the least that the rest of the book will be as mesmerizing as all of their other books! So I don't hesitate at all to give a positive rating for this book based on what I have seen and the reputation of these delightfully, educational, and entertaining books!
August 2, 2022
Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish by David Liittschwager, is a beautiful little book on the three titled subject creatures. The book consists of quick essays on the amazing biological features of each; the octopus' intelligence and ability to camouflage, the seahorses unique birthing and parenting, as well as their unique shapes and colours, and the amazing divergence of jellyfish as colonies of multiple organisms in cooperation. Each essay is followed by beautiful but simple full page and colour photos of various species of each of the three sea creatures. This was a fun and light coffee table read for a rainy afternoon, and an easy recommendation for those looking for a quick look at three fascinating ocean creatures that constantly amaze.
March 15, 2022
Beautiful photography in this book. Unfortunately the advanced reader copy only has 16 pages, so there was only about one page of text I could read and some pages of photos. What was provided, was wonderful however.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC to read. Opinions are my honest thoughts.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC to read. Opinions are my honest thoughts.
February 24, 2022
Thank you NetGalley for a preview of the book in exchange for an honest review. Even an excerpt of the book makes for fascinating reading and the pictures are simply exquisite. I think it would make for a fantastic gift for anyone looking for an entry into science based on the quality of the scientific communication alone.
February 6, 2023
Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish
by David Liittschwager
4 Stars
My review is based on a 16-page teaser I received from the publisher via Netgalley. The short excerpt promises a fascinating book with the kind of beautiful photography and writing for which National Geographic is well-known. I am confident this will be a great purchase or gift for anyone interested in nature, in particular marine life.
I am grateful to National Geographic and NetGalley for offering this small sneak peek at Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish.
by David Liittschwager
4 Stars
My review is based on a 16-page teaser I received from the publisher via Netgalley. The short excerpt promises a fascinating book with the kind of beautiful photography and writing for which National Geographic is well-known. I am confident this will be a great purchase or gift for anyone interested in nature, in particular marine life.
I am grateful to National Geographic and NetGalley for offering this small sneak peek at Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish.
October 25, 2021
Super cool book with amazing pictures. Thank you to NetGalley, National Geographic, and the author for a copy. This is my honest review.
April 20, 2022
Octopus, seahorse and jellyfish are three ocean animals that evoke mystery and wonder whenever we can glimpse a look. Their beauty and diversity reels you in for a closer look. In Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish photographer David Liittschwager reveals the work of 12 years of specialized photography of these beautiful creatures. All of the animals are pictured on white backgrounds through a photographic technique of using condenser lenses that allows light to be focused on the camera lens, increasing the contrast allowing for all of the animals' details and intricacies to come forward. Each chapter focuses on one type of animal and is accompanied by an essay by an expert in the field to give context and information about the animal, it's environment and special features.
Through the photography, the octopus dances across the page and stares into your eyes. Their amazing skin texture and tentacles can be seen up close and in astounding detail. The seahorse, seadragon and pipefish are pictured much bigger than their actual size so that their graceful shapes, intricate patterns and delicate features can be appreciated. A wide variety of jellyfish are featured with close ups of tentacles, bells, and their overall lack of body parts is apparent. I was intrigued by their many different forms and ways to reproduce for a creature that seems so simple. I had no idea that there were eternal jellyfish or that they went through so many different phases to become the final form that we know as a medusa. Overall, Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish is an amazing display of photography that allows these animals to shine and creates a call to protect these creatures that we share the Earth with.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Through the photography, the octopus dances across the page and stares into your eyes. Their amazing skin texture and tentacles can be seen up close and in astounding detail. The seahorse, seadragon and pipefish are pictured much bigger than their actual size so that their graceful shapes, intricate patterns and delicate features can be appreciated. A wide variety of jellyfish are featured with close ups of tentacles, bells, and their overall lack of body parts is apparent. I was intrigued by their many different forms and ways to reproduce for a creature that seems so simple. I had no idea that there were eternal jellyfish or that they went through so many different phases to become the final form that we know as a medusa. Overall, Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish is an amazing display of photography that allows these animals to shine and creates a call to protect these creatures that we share the Earth with.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
July 4, 2024
This book is so so cool! Super interesting facts, beautifully crisp photos, and infographics that helped me learn so much! I enjoyed every page of this book!
March 2, 2022
Gorgeous photos. I can only imagine how difficult it is to photograph these magnificent creatures.
Unfortunately, the review copy I received is only 6% of the book, but I did already learn in the few pages I have access to that jellyfish don’t have brains! I’m looking forward to the rest of the book.
Thank you NetGalley and National Geographic for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Unfortunately, the review copy I received is only 6% of the book, but I did already learn in the few pages I have access to that jellyfish don’t have brains! I’m looking forward to the rest of the book.
Thank you NetGalley and National Geographic for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 19, 2023
This is a picture book for adults who find octopi, seahorses and jellyfish beautiful to look at. It might win over others who don't know how beautiful these creatures can be.
Each creature has a section in the book. An essay about the creatures leads into the pictures. The one downside is in the essays, not because they aren't good, but because of man's treatment of these fascinating creatures.
Pages and pages of photographs follow each essay. The individuals are lit in such a way as to eclipse the background. The author explains how he does this in a foreword. Each species is identified including size and where the photograph was taken.
I found myself exploring each photograph. Then, after finishing the first time, going back to look at them again.
Each creature has a section in the book. An essay about the creatures leads into the pictures. The one downside is in the essays, not because they aren't good, but because of man's treatment of these fascinating creatures.
Pages and pages of photographs follow each essay. The individuals are lit in such a way as to eclipse the background. The author explains how he does this in a foreword. Each species is identified including size and where the photograph was taken.
I found myself exploring each photograph. Then, after finishing the first time, going back to look at them again.
June 17, 2022
Beautiful photography. Brief and informative text. Highly recommend!
October 4, 2022
I was drawn to this book because of the octopus and found myself surprisingly dazzled and awed by the jellyfish! Also appreciated the short essays about each species.
November 20, 2022
Gorgeous photos
August 25, 2025
the photographs in this book are BREATHTAKING
March 1, 2022
I love these sea creatures and love to look at them even more! I can't wait for the full version of this book to be released.
These would be incredibly difficult animals to capture on film. Nevertheless the pictures are stunning! The pictures have a sense of movement to them and often show the same animal in different stages of movement, which is significant when a body can change shape as much as an octopus ore Jellyfish's.
The small portion of text in this sample was accessible and interesting and I am very much looking forward to sitting down with this book and exploring these weird and wonderful creatures!
These would be incredibly difficult animals to capture on film. Nevertheless the pictures are stunning! The pictures have a sense of movement to them and often show the same animal in different stages of movement, which is significant when a body can change shape as much as an octopus ore Jellyfish's.
The small portion of text in this sample was accessible and interesting and I am very much looking forward to sitting down with this book and exploring these weird and wonderful creatures!
December 31, 2021
Maybe it is because they look like alien beings from another world, but I have always loved watching marine life like octopuses with their stretchy, squishy bodies; dainty seahorses covered with bony plates; and translucent jellyfish that propel themselves through the water by contracting their umbrella-shaped bells. In National Geographic’s forthcoming book, Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish, we get up close and personal with these amazing creatures.
Acclaimed nature photographer David Liittschwager has assembled an enthralling collection of stunning underwater images that are guaranteed to both captivate and educate. He has spent decades mastering the craft of capturing these animals on film in all their ethereal beauty, and in this new volume he showcases 200 of his most revealing photos.
His unforgettable images are paired with essays by bestselling science writers Elizabeth Kolbert, Jennifer Holland, and Olivia Hudson. They provide insights into the biology and cognitive abilities of these mysterious denizens of the deep. Here you will see everything from a vividly patterned wonderpus octopus to the comb jellyfish who looks like it is wired with LED lights. The results are simply mesmerizing.
Imagine standing in an aquarium surrounded by a cloud of beautiful, translucent Moon Jellyfish. They may look like little sea ghosts as they float through the water, but they are most definitely alive, even though they lack brains, bones, or even blood. How can this be? You’ll find out in this immersive book.
Those who have ever seen seahorses in real life know that they are quite tiny. But Liittschwager was able to magnify these incredible creatures five times life size, and the results are simply delightful. We get a glimpse of these super tiny seahorses and their ultra-adorable brood. Plus, Holland explains just what good fathers’ male seahorses are. Find out why they put human dads to shame!
If you love our oceans and all the lifeforms that inhabit them, you will want to pre-order this gorgeous book. Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish will provide you with a depth of knowledge you will be hard pressed to get anywhere else. But it is Liittschwager’s breathtaking photography that steals the show here. You will want to take your time perusing each page so you can marvel at the delicate, graceful, and even miraculous animals that are featured within. This book is one for the keeper shelf!
Acclaimed nature photographer David Liittschwager has assembled an enthralling collection of stunning underwater images that are guaranteed to both captivate and educate. He has spent decades mastering the craft of capturing these animals on film in all their ethereal beauty, and in this new volume he showcases 200 of his most revealing photos.
His unforgettable images are paired with essays by bestselling science writers Elizabeth Kolbert, Jennifer Holland, and Olivia Hudson. They provide insights into the biology and cognitive abilities of these mysterious denizens of the deep. Here you will see everything from a vividly patterned wonderpus octopus to the comb jellyfish who looks like it is wired with LED lights. The results are simply mesmerizing.
Imagine standing in an aquarium surrounded by a cloud of beautiful, translucent Moon Jellyfish. They may look like little sea ghosts as they float through the water, but they are most definitely alive, even though they lack brains, bones, or even blood. How can this be? You’ll find out in this immersive book.
Those who have ever seen seahorses in real life know that they are quite tiny. But Liittschwager was able to magnify these incredible creatures five times life size, and the results are simply delightful. We get a glimpse of these super tiny seahorses and their ultra-adorable brood. Plus, Holland explains just what good fathers’ male seahorses are. Find out why they put human dads to shame!
If you love our oceans and all the lifeforms that inhabit them, you will want to pre-order this gorgeous book. Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish will provide you with a depth of knowledge you will be hard pressed to get anywhere else. But it is Liittschwager’s breathtaking photography that steals the show here. You will want to take your time perusing each page so you can marvel at the delicate, graceful, and even miraculous animals that are featured within. This book is one for the keeper shelf!
January 18, 2022
SAMPLE ARC FROM NETGALLEY/NATGEO
Though the sample didn't provide enough of the text to review, it most certainly showcased enough photographs, which are beyond description. Liittschwager's methods exquisitely display these underappreciated animals whilst also commutating his obvious appreciation for them and the care undertaken to capture them in such stunning ways. Even without having read more than two paragraphs, I would recommend and buy it for the eye-candy alone; gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.
Though the sample didn't provide enough of the text to review, it most certainly showcased enough photographs, which are beyond description. Liittschwager's methods exquisitely display these underappreciated animals whilst also commutating his obvious appreciation for them and the care undertaken to capture them in such stunning ways. Even without having read more than two paragraphs, I would recommend and buy it for the eye-candy alone; gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.
March 25, 2022
I received a sample of Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish by David Liittschwager, which is scheduled for release on April 5 2022. My review is based on that sample, not the full book.
This is a book of photography that reveals the unnerving beauty of three notoriously mysterious sea creatures--the jellyfish, octopus, and seahorse--and how they perceive the world. The jellyfish, the octopus, and the seahorse are among the most wondrous species on Earth--as well as some of the most difficult to document using traditional photography methods. This collection showcases 200 of Liittschwager’s most revealing photographs, paired with penetrating essays that explain how a creature without a brain or without bones perceives the world. Bestselling science writers Elizabeth Kolbert, Jennifer Holland, and Olivia Judson explain the biology and advanced cognitive abilities of these spineless denizens of the deep, exquisitely evoking their unnerving yet undeniable charisma. In these pages, you’ll glimpse a seahorse only half an inch tall, a moon jelly spinning off a snowflake-shaped clone, and the blinking comb jelly, which may be the most ancient living animal on Earth. Both enlightening and profound, this book documents the expanding frontiers of marine science, creating a powerful testament to the value and beauty of these little-seen--and endangered--species.
Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish is a book that captured and kept my attention with the stunning photography. I was amazed by the images on the page, and then glad to see the information about each of the creatures on the page. While jellyfish might not be my favorite swimming partner, I have always been fascinated by their movements and grace in the water. The brilliance of the octopus and the fragility and size of the seahorse have always captured my attention as well. Getting to see them all in such stunning photographs with some information about their nature that I have not known before made this book a must read for me. I am eager to see it in bookstores and libraries. I think this will be a great book for anyone interested in the subject matter and the photography.
This is a book of photography that reveals the unnerving beauty of three notoriously mysterious sea creatures--the jellyfish, octopus, and seahorse--and how they perceive the world. The jellyfish, the octopus, and the seahorse are among the most wondrous species on Earth--as well as some of the most difficult to document using traditional photography methods. This collection showcases 200 of Liittschwager’s most revealing photographs, paired with penetrating essays that explain how a creature without a brain or without bones perceives the world. Bestselling science writers Elizabeth Kolbert, Jennifer Holland, and Olivia Judson explain the biology and advanced cognitive abilities of these spineless denizens of the deep, exquisitely evoking their unnerving yet undeniable charisma. In these pages, you’ll glimpse a seahorse only half an inch tall, a moon jelly spinning off a snowflake-shaped clone, and the blinking comb jelly, which may be the most ancient living animal on Earth. Both enlightening and profound, this book documents the expanding frontiers of marine science, creating a powerful testament to the value and beauty of these little-seen--and endangered--species.
Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish is a book that captured and kept my attention with the stunning photography. I was amazed by the images on the page, and then glad to see the information about each of the creatures on the page. While jellyfish might not be my favorite swimming partner, I have always been fascinated by their movements and grace in the water. The brilliance of the octopus and the fragility and size of the seahorse have always captured my attention as well. Getting to see them all in such stunning photographs with some information about their nature that I have not known before made this book a must read for me. I am eager to see it in bookstores and libraries. I think this will be a great book for anyone interested in the subject matter and the photography.
April 26, 2022
In a word, stunning, but of course it would have to be horribly misguided to be a photo essay book that didn't have stunning photography. And it actually only features one essay on each of the three animals featured: the octopus, the seahorse, and the jellyfish.
Some of the mechanics of photography would be important to budding or expert photographers, but I wasn't as interested as I was in just staring that the animals on the page in their magnified beauty, set against the white or black to help focus in on the features.
I am a jellyfish girl. Every aquarium I would gladly spend 85% of my time in with the jellies and the other part with every other sea creature. But I also am a fan of the octopus especially after the The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness catapulted my love of the animal and Montgomery herself. This was a treat.
Some of the mechanics of photography would be important to budding or expert photographers, but I wasn't as interested as I was in just staring that the animals on the page in their magnified beauty, set against the white or black to help focus in on the features.
I am a jellyfish girl. Every aquarium I would gladly spend 85% of my time in with the jellies and the other part with every other sea creature. But I also am a fan of the octopus especially after the The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness catapulted my love of the animal and Montgomery herself. This was a treat.
March 12, 2022
Author David Littschwager is also a stellar photographer as evinced in 200 gorgeous photographs in Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish. Though this is a sample portion of his book, the information it contains is brilliant and breathtaking, an amuse bouche for what is to come.
These marine creatures are amongst the most elusive and beguiling in the world and as such are tricky to photograph. I frequently swim with moon and comb jellies in the Mediterranean and though bumping into squishiness can at first be disconcerting, there is no experience like it. Jellyfish aren't actually fish. Incredibly, they propel themselves without a brain, bones or blood. The octopus is exceptionally intelligent and efficient and the tiny seahorse has very special capabilities. Visiting aquariums is a wonderful way to immerse oneself into their world.
My sincere thank you to National Geographic and NetGalley for giving me a very compelling glimpse into the lives of these beautiful marine creatures! I long to read this book in its entirety.
These marine creatures are amongst the most elusive and beguiling in the world and as such are tricky to photograph. I frequently swim with moon and comb jellies in the Mediterranean and though bumping into squishiness can at first be disconcerting, there is no experience like it. Jellyfish aren't actually fish. Incredibly, they propel themselves without a brain, bones or blood. The octopus is exceptionally intelligent and efficient and the tiny seahorse has very special capabilities. Visiting aquariums is a wonderful way to immerse oneself into their world.
My sincere thank you to National Geographic and NetGalley for giving me a very compelling glimpse into the lives of these beautiful marine creatures! I long to read this book in its entirety.
April 19, 2022
This is a stunning book.
But that probably does not come as a surprise. I have never been disappointed by a book that has come from National Geographic and its partners. In this one the reader is taken underwater to explore the world of the intriguing creatures known as the octopus, the seahorse and the jellyfish.
Having once been fortunate to go snorkeling and diving in warm waters I have seen jellyfish up close and personal as it were. They truly are fascinating little creatures. I have also held an octopus – the little suckers hold tight! And anyone that has gone swimming at the Jersey shore has seen a jellyfish. We all kept watch for the man-o-wars because you didn’t want to swim into one of them!
It is thrilling to learn so much more about these fascinating creatures and to see the stunning photographs that accompany the text. It’s the kind of book you page through over and over again – particularly if you love the ocean and the creatures that live within.
I received a free copy for my honest review.
But that probably does not come as a surprise. I have never been disappointed by a book that has come from National Geographic and its partners. In this one the reader is taken underwater to explore the world of the intriguing creatures known as the octopus, the seahorse and the jellyfish.
Having once been fortunate to go snorkeling and diving in warm waters I have seen jellyfish up close and personal as it were. They truly are fascinating little creatures. I have also held an octopus – the little suckers hold tight! And anyone that has gone swimming at the Jersey shore has seen a jellyfish. We all kept watch for the man-o-wars because you didn’t want to swim into one of them!
It is thrilling to learn so much more about these fascinating creatures and to see the stunning photographs that accompany the text. It’s the kind of book you page through over and over again – particularly if you love the ocean and the creatures that live within.
I received a free copy for my honest review.
September 3, 2022
Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish is one big beautiful book of fascinating and gorgeous color photos of three of the most wondrous of the deep sea denizens. Although the photos rule this book, there are some interesting essays and facts given about each creature. Seahorses have always been a favorite of mine and the many pictures--including one pot-bellied seahorse giving birth, had me pouring over that section. But more recently, I have become a fan of the octopus, being amazed by their intelligence and grace. And, as scary as the box jellyfish that swim the shores here after a full moon are to me, you cannot deny how incredible and beautiful they are even lacking brains and bones. I've included some pictures from the book below, but trust me, if you are a lover of the ocean ad it's creatures, you need a copy of this book for your coffee table, library or bookshelves--it's as relaxing and fulfilling to look at as watching an aquarium.
Read
August 14, 2022Don't be like me and check this out from the library or buy it before you know this is a photography book. A beautiful, fascinating, well-done photography book, yes, but not what I was expecting. I liked the essays but I wanted to learn more about these animals.
I encounter the same problem in photography books I do in graphic novels, I read the writing and move on to the next page after a brief glance at the art. I know I'm missing a lot of what makes it special, so I try to slow down but it does not come naturally to me.
So, yeah, you can judge a book by its cover but you can misjudge it too. And sometimes my habit of knowing as little as I can before I place a hold on a title at the library can steer me wrong.
But, having said all that, If I had the kind of coffee table where you could put books on it for display I'd probably buy this one for it.
I encounter the same problem in photography books I do in graphic novels, I read the writing and move on to the next page after a brief glance at the art. I know I'm missing a lot of what makes it special, so I try to slow down but it does not come naturally to me.
So, yeah, you can judge a book by its cover but you can misjudge it too. And sometimes my habit of knowing as little as I can before I place a hold on a title at the library can steer me wrong.
But, having said all that, If I had the kind of coffee table where you could put books on it for display I'd probably buy this one for it.
March 13, 2022
Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish features stunning photography by David Littschwager - over 200 of his personal best shots from around the world of these fascinating creatures appear in this tome.
Also included are essays by three brilliant, best-selling science writers, throughout, describing how creatures have survived and thrived for so many years without bones or brains.
Enjoy this great coffee table and conversation starter book, especially if you like beautiful photography and marine life. I enjoyed my sneak-peak and picked it up because I had wanted to be a marine scientist in my younger years!
Don’t miss out, you won’t be sorry!
I had a sneak-peak, shortened ARC review copy from NetGalley and National Geographic. This is my honest feedback.
#OctopusSeahorseJellyfish #NetGalley
Also included are essays by three brilliant, best-selling science writers, throughout, describing how creatures have survived and thrived for so many years without bones or brains.
Enjoy this great coffee table and conversation starter book, especially if you like beautiful photography and marine life. I enjoyed my sneak-peak and picked it up because I had wanted to be a marine scientist in my younger years!
Don’t miss out, you won’t be sorry!
I had a sneak-peak, shortened ARC review copy from NetGalley and National Geographic. This is my honest feedback.
#OctopusSeahorseJellyfish #NetGalley
December 24, 2021
In this enthralling book, there are the most mesmerizing photographs of octopus, seahorse and jellyfish that will show the incredible beauty of these creatures. The photographer has developed a style of taking the photographs that fascinated me. His photographs are paired with essays giving an explanation of how they perceive their world. I can’t imagine anyone not liking this book. It is unique!
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
February 27, 2022
Gorgeous in every way. This would make a lovely gift for anyone who enjoys sea life or rarely seen creatures from the ocean. This book truly amazed me with its stunning photographs that show the incredible details and colors of a variety of - as the title indicates- Octopus, Seahorse, and Jellyfish. The 200 photo are described as "David Liittschwaher's most revealing images," and that they are. In addition, the essays are fun and fascinating and could be very useful in school science classes because of the cool facts: jellyfish don't have brains (or blood or bones). The authors of the essays are themselves bestselling science writers.
June 5, 2022
“Scientists estimate that 90 percent of the species In the oceans have yet to be classified.”
If you think that is mind-blowing, you have to see this book! It is amazingly GORGEOUS!!! There are 189 images in the book, taken from June 2008 to March 2020. The subjects come from the “… 300 species of octopus, 47 species of seahorse, and thousands of species of what are commonly referred to as jellyfish…”. And if the top quote is accurate, that’s just from the 10 percent we’ve discovered!
A great book to look at! I really liked the jellyfish photos against the black background! Beautiful!
Nature is so amazing!
If you think that is mind-blowing, you have to see this book! It is amazingly GORGEOUS!!! There are 189 images in the book, taken from June 2008 to March 2020. The subjects come from the “… 300 species of octopus, 47 species of seahorse, and thousands of species of what are commonly referred to as jellyfish…”. And if the top quote is accurate, that’s just from the 10 percent we’ve discovered!
A great book to look at! I really liked the jellyfish photos against the black background! Beautiful!
Nature is so amazing!
October 14, 2021
Wow. Just stunning images of these beautiful sea creatures. I am not sure how they were able to capture such clear, vivid photos, but they did. The combination of art and science are just breathtaking, and I found myself lost in the descriptions. I received a truncated version for early reviewing, and it was not enough to quench my desire to know more! I look forward to the full version when released. I received a complimentary advanced copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.
January 20, 2022
As a scuba diver, I have long been fascinated by all living creatures of the sea. The octopus, the seahorse and the jellyfish being some of the magnificent to spot and observe. To watch on as they effortlessly dance and glide through their underwater kingdoms is soothingly hypnotic. This 16-page teaser is a loving tribute dedicated to these wonderfully enigmatic animals, replete with incredible photography -- in true National Geographic style. What a stunning coffee table book for any ocean-lover in your life!
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