Seashore Life of Southern California, New and Revised Edition (California Natural History Guides) (Paperback)

~ Sam Hinton (Author) "Not long after my mother moved to Los Angeles, an old friend from Oklahoma came to visit..." (more)
Key Phrases: Southern California, California Mussel, Ochre Starfish (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

A well-written review of the commoner animals of the area. -- Sea Frontiers

Gives much information applicable elsewhere, such as how the tides work, the chemistry of sea water and the cycle of life in the sea. -- United Press

This book is profusely illustrated with drawings of specimens by Hinton and color photographs. . . . At times, the writing is quite poetic. -- San Bernadino Sun-Telegram

Product Description

The dry land is one world and the wet sea is another, but the line separating them is ever-changing. Known as the intertidal zone, the area between the land and the sea is defined by the extremes of the tides. Sam Hinton provides an introduction to this fascinating zone and its contiguous waters and to some of the many creatures who make the southern California seacoast their home. This highly readable book has been for many years the handiest resource available for anyone wanting to explore that region's delights and mysteries.
The book is filled with interesting anecdotes and drawings and has a thorough discussion of the natural forces¯the tides, winds, storms, currents, surf, and ocean chemistry¯that affect near-shore animals. Also included is a section relating the ocean forces to the intertidal habitat, along with a map of southern California locations where one might observe the organisms described in the book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press; Revised edition (January 26, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520059247
• ISBN-13: 978-0520059245
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 4.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #921,555 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Equally great for tidepooling or casual reading, December 28, 2006

By	William Chamberlin "Professor Sean" (Fullerton, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book remains a classic reference for identification of tidepool organisms in southern California. Unlike many field guides, this one devotes 30 or more pages to basic oceanography (tides, currents, waves, water chemistry, etc) as it affects tidepool organisms. Other field guides include a greater number of color photos and line drawings but Hinton gives more help on identifying organisms and more explanation of their behaviors and ecological roles. He also includes a number of very entertaining anecdotes which make this book fun to read when the weather and tide aren't right for tidepooling.