Planet Ocean: Voyage to the Heart of the Marine Realm [Hardcover]

Laurent Ballesta (Author), Pierre Descamp (Author), Jean-Michel Cousteau (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 6, 2007

Spanning the vast range of Earth's marine environments, from Greenland to the Polynesian Islands, Planet Ocean reveals hidden landscapes of unsurpassed beauty and awe. These fascinating undersea worlds occupy more than three quarters of the globe, and their natural richness is the source of all life—yet they are still poorly understood.

With engaging text and more than 400 photographs presented in a stunning oversize format, authors Laurent Ballesta and Pierre Descamp lead readers on a compelling voyage of discovery. Each page reveals a new marvel, from the exuberance of underwater forests to the delicate intimacy of octopuses and the extreme survival methods of creatures in the Antarctic. More than 25 essays from leading scientists highlight topics such as aquaculture and global warming—for in addition to celebrating earth's marine life, Planet Ocean helps readers understand the threats that weigh on the oceans and why we must protect the incredible diversity of plants and animals there. The World Conservation Union has partnered on the project to ensure an accurate, timely, and interesting presentation of this very important subject.

Visually rewarding and excellently priced, Planet Ocean will inspire and inform as it entices us to explore the colorful world beneath the sea.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. One of the few volumes of marine photography that devotes a chapter to each one of the planet's different marine environments, this is one book that lives up to its title. Ballesta and Descamp, along with their editorial colleagues and advisors at the World Conservation Union (IUCN), have created a truly encyclopedic overview of the amazing range of habitats and ecologies found in Earth's oceans (rather than stick to the easily-visited locales that populate most marine photography roundups). The full-bleed images are stunning, capturing intricacies of structure, texture and color that pre-digital film simply could not. Most chapters are devoted to a particular geographic feature rather than a specific location-"The Undersea Prairies," "Polar Oceans," "The Coral Reefs," "The Oases of the Open Ocean"-and each includes a short introduction; a two-page spread from IUCN experts on topics vital to "the endangered seas" (sustainable fishing, ocean governance, aquaculture, tourism, etc.); and short passages on specific critters, plants and geography Aside from occasionally difficult-to-read white-on-blue text, this is an outstanding resource for the classroom or the home that will give readers of any age a thorough, breathtaking overview of the world underwater.
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About the Author

Laurent Ballesta is an underwater photographer, biologist, and professional diver. An authority on the marine environment, he is a three-time Gold Palm recipient in the World Festival of the Underwater Image.

Pierre Descamp is a marine biologist who specializes in the conservation of marine ecosystems. The author of many studies and scientific publications, he works in France and abroad.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic (November 6, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1426201869
• ISBN-13: 978-1426201868
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 1.2 x 13.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #348,450 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!, March 13, 2008

By 

Mowbray "M." (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Planet Ocean: Voyage to the Heart of the Marine Realm (Hardcover)

There is no lesser a word for this book than amazing. I have seen a number of photographic works on the ocean; and this, by far, exceeds all the others I have enjoyed. The pictures or unbelievable, spectacular, and what I would call the work of photographers of genius. All this for a reasonable price. If you love that essential part of the world which keeps us alive, you will not want to miss this one.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous book for all ages, December 28, 2009

By 

Mom of four (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Planet Ocean: Voyage to the Heart of the Marine Realm (Hardcover)

We saw this book at the Monterey Acquarium for $40 or so, but were delighted to find it on Amazon reduced. We gave it as a holiday gift collectively to our four kids ages 14, 11, 9 and 2 1/2. At various times, they each have spent time lovingly turning the pages and learning the names of the unusual creatures. It is a stunning collection of photographs. Our littlest child absolutely loves it and can now distinguish a hammer head shark from other types of sharks -- she would look at it every day if we had the patience.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great pictures, but little facts, January 25, 2008

By 

Jenna "Jennamation" (Utah) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Planet Ocean: Voyage to the Heart of the Marine Realm (Hardcover)

What an absolutely beautiful book! The pictures and resolution are amazing. The only complaint I have is that I like to see a few more side texts or full pages of brief information about what it is I am looking at. Other than that, it is a great addition to anyones coffee book collection.