The Sea's Enthrall: Memoirs of an Oceanographer [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Tim Parsons (Author), Timothy Richard Parsons (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2004

The tale of one of Canada's most respected scientists, The Sea's Enthrall recounts a personal journey from a childhood passion for rock pools, to an illustrious award and an audience with the Emperor of Japan.

It is a witty, often philosophical, sometimes poignant exposition on Life, as seen from the perspective of a man whose scientific training is wonderfully complemented by a curiosity for less empirical matters, such as poetry and religion.

Tim Parsons is the only Canadian recipient of the Japan Prize.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a delightful, insightful...moving book...Tim [is] not only a great scientist, but also a terrific writer." -- William Hsieh, CMOS Bulletin

"...a good story told by a gifted raconteur whose...curious mind seeks to find answers on many topics...." -- Valerie Green, Saanich News

"...a lightness of touch and humour...a pot pourri of experiences, comment and anecdote...full of interest and information." -- Martin Angel, Underwater Technology

"Timothy Parsons is a ... national treasure ... if you love our ocean planet, you'll need to read this book." -- Paul Kennedy, Host/Producer of IDEAS, (CBC Radio One)

About the Author

Dr. Timothy Parsons is a Professor Emeritus of the Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences, at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. He is also an Honorary Research Scientist Emeritus of the Institute of Ocean Sciences in Sidney, BC.

With a PhD from McGill University, Montreal, and over forty years in the field of oceanography, Dr. Parsons is a distinguished and highly acclaimed authority in his field. He has been the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Japan Prize from the Science and Technology Foundation of Japan, in 2001, of which he was the first Canadian recipient.

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: EcceNova Editions; illustrated edition edition (February 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0973164875
• ISBN-13: 978-0973164879
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,514,496 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An examined life., March 20, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The Sea's Enthrall: Memoirs of an Oceanographer (Paperback)

Easy to read-- the life of a man who has had enormous success but not without his share of pain and regret. Ideas about the way the oceans work will interest those in the field and anyone involved with environmental issues. And everyone can gain from the story of someone who achieved beyond the norm in spite of early difficulties. Parsons dispels the stereotype of the faceless, impassive and fact oriented scientist by a frank description of his personal life and interest in the things for which science alone cannot provide the answers.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars With philosophy, humor, and a cosmopolitan outlook on life, May 5, 2004

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sea's Enthrall: Memoirs of an Oceanographer (Paperback)

Tim parsons is the winner of the Japan Prize for Marine Biology. The Sea's Enthrall: Memoirs Of An Oceanographer is the fascinating story of Parsons life as a marine biologist beginning with his growing up in Ceylon and England, his professional training and international experiences; his audience with the Emperor of Japan; and his retirement contemplations. The Sea's Enthrall is "must read" for anyone contemplating a professional career as a marine biologist -- and is wonderfully informative and entertaining reading for anyone else who appreciations a well-written memoir hallmarked with philosophy, humor, and a cosmopolitan outlook on life.

4.0 out of 5 stars Enthralling!, March 18, 2004

By 

gord watts (Burnaby BC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: No Longer in Print: No Longer in Print (Hardcover)

The author has certainly had an exciting life!World travel,important achievements and international recognition.And all from a background made difficult by family situations and life at what sounds the equivalent of boot camp.For an oceanographer this book has key insights and information from someone who has explored the ocean by 'going down to the sea in ships', not sitting behind a desk. But the average reader who likes things to do with the sea (me) can enter into the human, sometimes tragic experiences told in a frank and engaging manner. He strikes a chord with all who have had difficulties in life but have managed to make the most of their opportunities anyway. And for a scientist, Parsons has a flair for description that departs from the formality of academic reporting.