{"product_id":"shells-9780789209894","title":"Shells","description":"\u003cp\u003eMore than just an appreciation of shells  this book captures all the artistry of theundersea world. Prized since ancient times for their beauty  shells appear in Mexicantemple art  on Greek and Roman vases  in Renaissance paintings and architecturalsculpture  and in modern jewelry and furniture. The artists themselves are thousandsof species of mollusks  which produce shells of infinite shapes and sizes: the polished the patinated  and the peculiar. From porcelain cones and miters to coleus and whirls the collectorGs favorites account for barely five percent of known species (mollusks arethe second largest phylum after arthropods)  and it is possible we havenGt even discoveredhalf of them. They are abundant and widespread  living from the Arctic to theAntarctic  in oceans and in streams  ponds  and lakes on every continent. They havebeen discovered on high Himalayan peaks  in bleak deserts  and on sandy beaches aswell as in shallow lagoons and water as deep as 21 00 feet. The marvelous collectionof shells featured here is both a celebration and a scientific investigation.Philippe BouchetGs writing is rich with the flavors of malacology  bringing in examplesof biodiversity  the threats from anthropogenic pressure  and the important scientificand patrimonial role played by natural history museums  which are invaluableconservatories. We follow the author and his team in their exploration work  samplingand sifting  on board the French Institute for Research and Development vessel  off thecoast of New Caledonia.The author writes that GMost of the time  you may not recognize a shell but it doesnot mean itGs necessarily a new species.G It can take several years for the small communityof international experts to be certain of a new discovery. It is just as difficult towork out which species are rare and which are threatened with extinction  as they defyhuman jurisdiction. With a true sense of wonderment  he discusses how incredible it isthat in the twenty-first century (an age of genetics  nanotechnology  and advancedspace exploration)  a number of species of plants  animals  and fungi on the surface ofthe planet (let alone beneath the waves) remain Gundiscovered G unstudied and\/orunnamed.This fascinating text with its amazing images is ideal for shell collectors  naturalhistory buffs  and admirers of great photography books.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45924577771573,"sku":"ByrdShop_0789209896","price":99.6,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/9780789209894.jpg?v=1787677609","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/shells-9780789209894","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}