The Encyclopedia of Shells [Hardcover]

Kenneth R. Wye (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1998

A complete source book for the new or experienced collector. Contains information on how to start a collection, how to buy/find shells, plus a classification guide. Features all the major shell families and includes many less popular groups. 1200 specially commissioned photographs. Detailed captions on appearance, size, geographical location, rarity and distribution.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This book for serious shell collectors, not vacationers, provides color photographs of over 1000 types of shells. While the photographs are exceptionally clear, they are unfortunately almost all the same size, without a representation of scale, regardless of the actual size of the shell. Distribution, habitat depth, and relative availability to collectors are explained in descriptions. Coverage is worldwide with extensive representation from the Far East, including many shells rarely seen by casual shell collectors. Nevertheless, libraries having one of the editions of R. Tucker Abbott and S. Peter Dance's Compendium of Seashells (1990, American Melacologists. 4th ed.) will not need this volume unless their collections are exhaustive.
- Susan Klimley, Columbia Univ. Libs.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Knickerbocker Press (April 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577150295
• ISBN-13: 978-1577150299
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 8.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,883,282 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable source of information for the pro or amature., June 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Shells (Hardcover)

This is one of the best shell identification books I have ever seen. Not only is it perfect for the amature, but for the professional as well. We use it in our business everyday. The color photography is fantastic, this book also makes a great tabletop book.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful, comprehensive shell guide, April 24, 2000

By 

Freda L. Tolar "tolarfred" (Southern Gulf Coast, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Shells (Hardcover)

I purchased this book after finding a multitude of unusual shells on barrier islands after a hurricane. This is a beautiful book with brilliant color pictures of each shell. These is a quick reference guide that shows a variety of information including location, water depth, average size, scientific, and common names. Also the star system that identifies whether the shell is common/uncommon/rare. Each time we visit the beach/islands, my kids and I look forward to identifying our shell treasures. The kids get really excited when we find a two star shell (uncommon). Great as a coffee table book also, I often find my guests thumbing through it.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best guide I've found, with accurate info and pictures., December 2, 1998

By 

Billie Chandler (Springville, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Shells (Hardcover)

I've used many different shell guides to identify my finds, but this one has enough pictures to show which of the many species I may be looking for. Also, I like the detailed info and the star rating system for indicating rare/common/uncommon. For the amateur collector trying to sort out family, genus and species, this guide gives a clear picture of the information.