Jacques Cousteau: The Ocean World (Abradale S) [Hardcover]

Jacques-Yves Cousteau (Author), Steven Schepp (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0810980681 | ISBN-13: 978-0810980686 | Publication Date: September 15, 1985

Virtually an encyclopedia of the undersea world, this magnificent and comprehensive volume covers all aspects of life in the oceans. It is illustrated throughout with over 385 photographs, plus maps and diagrams. 9 1/2" x 11 3/4".

Product Details

• Hardcover: 446 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (September 15, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810980681
• ISBN-13: 978-0810980686
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 9.8 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #566,855 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful and complete, July 10, 2005

By 

Newton Ooi (Phoenix, Arizona United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jacques Cousteau: The Ocean World (Abradale S) (Hardcover)

This was one of the first books my parents ever bought me which I read all by myself. It is still one of my favorite books and one of the few from my childhood that I have not donated to the local library.

This book was written by Jacques Cousteau, the famous French oceanographer, inventor of numerous diving devices and technologies and maybe one of the most famous scientists of the 20th century. This book is actually a condensation of a series of 20+ books, each of which are devoted to different aspects of the oceans. The original series of books were based on various documentary TV shows produced by, starred in, or otherwise assisted by the author. The original books were very popular in libraries around the world, so the author came out with a condensed version which I am now reviewing.

This book is probably the best source to learn about the oceans, whether you are an adult or child. The text is simple enough for children to understand, but complete and mature in its style, and written like an introductory textbook. The figures and illustrations are gorgeous and in color, and still match those of more recent publications.

Each chapter in this book is short enough to complete in one day, and they cover topics like coral reefs, the N and S Poles, ocean geography, marine mammals, history of life in the ocean, etc... Each chapter begins with a beautiful color illustration on a black page, and is labeled with beautiful names. For example, the chapter on coral reefs is labeled "Pharaohs of the Sea" in reference to their incredible age. My favorite chapter is "The Art of Motion" which begins with a figure of a dolphin jumping out of the water. This chapter's emphasis is on how different life forms in the ocean move about.

Overall, this is one of my favorite books, and a must buy for any science collection.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The poetry of Frost with the scientific insight of Darwin., October 3, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Jacques Cousteau: The Ocean World (Abradale S) (Hardcover)

Beautiful book that is both informative visually and verbally. The lush full color pictures are matched only by the Cousteau's elloquent descriptions.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A PERFECT 5 - WISH I COULD GIVE IT MORE, October 1, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Jacques Cousteau: The Ocean World (Abradale S) (Hardcover)

WHATEVER I SAY CAN IN NO WAY PREPARE YOU FOR THE WEALTH OF MAGNIFICENT, BEAUTIFUL,AND INFORMATIVE INFORMATION (TEXT, PHOTOGRAPHS, ILLUSTRATIONS) CONTAINED IN THIS INCREDIBLE SERIES OF BOOKS. GET THEM ALL. YOU WON'T BE SORRY. IT DOESN'T MATTER WHETHER YOU ARE NEW TO THE SUBJECT OR AN EXPERIENED PRO.