Beautiful Shells - by Mark Carnall (Hardcover)

About the Book

"An informative introduction exploring our fascination with shells, complete with stunningly reproduced illustrations. In 1811, architect, stone mason, and shell obsessive George Perry published his lavishly illustrated volume, Conchology or the Natural History of Shells. The work featured 348 beautifully illustrated mollusk shells with descriptions of species, many of which were new to science. Despite the effort that went into producing it--and at a time when conchophilia, or shell fancying, was at its height--Perry's Conchology disappeared from scientific literature, after being suppressed by the leading conchologists of the day and then cruelly mocked for decades after. Beautiful Shells reproduces the stunning, exquisitely drawn, and sometimes fanciful shell illustrations from this extraordinary forgotten volume. Following an introduction exploring our fascination with shells and their impact on human history, culture, and science, each of the sixty-one color illustrations is included alongside a description of notable shells and what is known of the mysterious organisms that make them. From the common limpet and razor clam to the valuable cowry and spectacular divine conch, the wide range of featured shells form a treasure trove of natural beauty from our oceans and shores." --Amazon.com description.

Book Synopsis

An informative introduction exploring our fascination with shells, complete with stunningly reproduced illustrations.

In 1811, architect, stone mason, and shell obsessive George Perry published his lavishly illustrated volume, Conchology or the Natural History of Shells. The work featured 348 beautifully illustrated mollusk shells with descriptions of species, many of which were new to science.

Despite the effort that went into producing it--and at a time when conchophilia, or shell fancying, was at its height--Perry's Conchology disappeared from scientific literature, after being suppressed by the leading conchologists of the day and then cruelly mocked for decades after.

Beautiful Shells reproduces the stunning, exquisitely drawn, and sometimes fanciful shell illustrations from this extraordinary forgotten volume. Following an introduction exploring our fascination with shells and their impact on human history, culture, and science, each of the sixty-one color illustrations is included alongside a description of notable shells and what is known of the mysterious organisms that make them. From the common limpet and razor clam to the valuable cowry and spectacular divine conch, the wide range of featured shells form a treasure trove of natural beauty from our oceans and shores.

Review Quotes

"This is a reproduction of an 1811 book about, well, beautiful shells! Originally published during a time when shells were trendy, this book will make you much more appreciative of shells. It will also help you appreciate the history of natural science and the mundane things that make up our world."-- "St. Louis on the Air, Best books of 2024"

About the Author

Mark Carnall is collections manager of human remains and non-insect invertebrate collections at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.