Customer Reviews

A Grain of Sand: Nature's Secret Wonder

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What a beautiful and interesting book. Dr. Gary Greenberg's stunning micro-photography shows the infinite beauty of biological and mineral sand grains found in sands from around the world. Some photographs show collections of grains, other showcase the exquisite beauty of a single crystal found in sand magnified 200 times, other photographs show artistic arrangements of sand-grained sized sea urchin spines, sponge spicules, and tiny shells.

The book and its photographs tell stories of bountiful and diverse reef environments, glacially eroded grains, the durability and beauty of garnet grains, or the polishing effects of the relentless surf on grains. Looking at the micro-photographs and reading the text opens up a whole new understanding and appreciation of sand.

And personally as a sand collector, I've known how sands vary around the world, but Greenberg's book and his stunning micro-photography really raised my appreciation of the biological and geological stories sand can tell in addition to the showcasing the beauty in minute grains of sand. After seeing and reading this book, you will never walk on a beach without wondering about the history and story the sand grains can tell. A fascinating read with mesmerizing photographs.

This is a stunningly beautiful art book with intriguing subject matter. The photography art in this book is absolutely gorgeous and then to think that each of these gorgeous works of art are actually grains of sand is just mind blowing. The author had invented and developed his own high powered light microscope to photograph different grains of sand from different beaches around the world and the result is incredible. Who knew that grains of sand were so unique and captivating? I would recommend this book to anyone and especially people who love Art, geology, nature, science, the ocean, life, the earth or photography. This also makes a perfect gift for just about anyone and any occasion. This has been a real crowd pleaser on my coffee table lately and all my friends want to look through it.

I bought this work for a Mother's Day gift, little realizing how much it would be heartily devoured by its recipient! Shortly thereafter, I was proudly shown some of its dozens and dozens of exquisite micropictographic images along with various insightful and informing passages being read aloud to me.

I was so captivated I had to spend quality time with a copy myself. Its colorful visual content overwhelms my imagination! The accompanying text is very informational in an intriguing and engaging way. I was so impressed that I used it as an adult Sunday School book discussion, even bringing out an old dusty microscope to view some sand samples we'd gathered from past trips to Maui and various Atlantic beaches. People were really buzzed.

A great read, especially for "beach" grazing. Think about projects that can be easily initiated like with summer camps, vacations (those "boring" mantras can be challenged), even Vacation Bible School activities. And, a coffee table book that won't break your pocketbook to boot!

"Grain of Sand" has so opened up my imagination with awe, wonder and respect. I'll never take for granted a walk on the beach again.

Nature's wonders indeed are presented to you in this book. Sand is brought to life in the most facinating micro pictures I have seen on this subject. The author's techniques are professional quality and his knowledge provides the details that will satisify a novice collector like me or a more advanced interest. The micro details of sand are largly unnoticed by the human eye. So, treat yourself to a journey of a different sort. I higly recommend this book. Enjoy!

Wow! Amazing microphotography. Each picture is gorgeous and stunning and the narration is very interesting.

I notice it is available for the Kindle. A black and white version on the Kindle cannot possibly do this book justice. Get the paper version.

I love the beach and when I can, bring home a glass vial of sand from any beach I go to here and abroad as an interesting and free souvenir. So I was intriqued by this book when I first saw it listed. Bought it and have been fascinated by it. The pictures are gorgeous; the text is fascinating. I recommend it.

This book is an amazing adventure into an ordinary subject that is obviously taken for granted at face value. I never would have guessed the beauty of sand at the microscopic level. I love books that open my eyes to the truth and beauty that surrounds us everyday!

I picked this up walking through the gift shop at the aquarium on Maui and fell in love with it immediately.

The microphotography in the book is amazing (the author's company makes the microscopes used) and the depth of field achieved through their hardware and software produces images with sharpness and clarity unlike anything I've seen before in microphotography.

The incredible richness and variety or the sand grains displayed in this book will give you a completely new appreciation for "sand".

I have no idea how I would have discovered this book if I hadn't run across it the way I did. If you've managed to run across this review somehow then I can strongly recommend ordering a copy of this book (the price is very reasonable) as I think you'll find it to be well worth it.

All sand may look alike to most, but not to Dr. Gary Greenberg, whose microphotographic techniques outline and differences in each grain of sand. Sand from around the world is presented in a series of photos that reveal differences in colors, textures, sizes and shapes: accompanied by a detailed explanation of how each grain forms, this is a pick not just for art libraries specializing in photography, but for science collections as well.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Dr. Greenberg has captured the imagination and soul of many audiences with his endeavors in the microscopic world. His vision and art are framed in an extremely intelligent perspective about life, the world, and the human relationship to the environment.

What this book represents is the need for the human being to stop, look, listen, and wonder about the natural world. We must thank him for his artistic pursuits and consider how we may each pursue an investigation as simple as this.

I worked with Dr. Greenberg briefly to setup an artistic installation, and was responsible for the sound environment to compliment his exhibit, but have had the opportunity to enjoy his friendship for a some time.