Ocean Bestiary: Meeting Marine Life from Abalone to Orca to Zooplankton

Ocean Bestiary is a whimsical illustrated A-to-Z guide to ocean wildlife, connecting natural history to human experiences and highlighting the need for continued exploration and conservation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 26 May 2023
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

For countless generations, humanity has ventured into the vast expanse of the ocean, yet it remains one of the most enigmatic and unexplored regions on our planet. From the mysterious depths of the abyss to the delicate dance of plankton, the ocean holds a vast array of secrets that have yet to be fully unraveled. Ocean Bestiary, a captivating A-to-Z encyclopedia of marine life, takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through the depths of the sea, offering a whimsical and authoritative exploration of its wonders.

Authored by Richard J. King, this remarkable book delves into the diverse tapestry of ocean creatures, ranging from the majestic beluga whales to the elusive flying fish, the majestic green turtles to the ferocious mako sharks, and countless others. Through a combination of captivating text and original illustrations, Ocean Bestiary celebrates our ongoing quest to understand and appreciate the sea and its inhabitants.

Spanning across the globe, King embarks on a captivating tour of ocean wildlife, visiting various regions and encountering a wide array of marine species. From the icy waters of the Arctic to the tropical coral reefs of the Pacific, he delves into the natural history, behavior, and ecological significance of these remarkable animals. But Ocean Bestiary goes beyond mere species descriptions. King weaves a rich tapestry of human experiences into the narrative, drawing upon firsthand accounts from ancient Polynesian navigators, African-American whalemen, Korean female divers (known as haenyeo), and modern-day deep-sea submersible pilots. He also incorporates imaginative sea expeditions inspired by poetry, novels, and paintings, amplifying the diverse voices underrepresented in environmental history.

Through his captivating vignettes, King reveals both the positive strides made in our understanding of the sea and the significant challenges that still lie ahead. He humorously portrays the quirks and wonders of marine life, while also raising alarming concerns about the threats posed by human activities and climate change. Ocean Bestiary serves as a powerful reminder of our interconnectedness with the ocean and the urgent need to protect and preserve this precious ecosystem.

In conclusion, Ocean Bestiary is a must-read for anyone with a passion for the sea, nature, and environmental conservation. It offers a delightful A-to-Z menagerie of marine life, providing a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the ocean's wonders. By bridging the gap between science and storytelling, King inspires a deeper appreciation for the ocean and encourages us to embark on a collective journey toward a sustainable future.

Dimension: 203 x 140 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226818030