In Spineless: Portraits of Marine Invertebrates, the
Backbone of Life, acclaimed photographer Susan
Middleton captures "the haute couture of marine
life -- nudibranchs, jellies, octopuses, sea stars, crabs,
anemones, coral, worms, shrimp, clams, sea urchins,
cowries and sea nymphs, to name but a few of the
creatures whose spectacular bodies defy description.
Astonishingly diverse in their shapes, patterns,
textures and colors, marine invertebrates are mostly
invisible to our eyes, living their lives predominantly
beneath the surface of the ocean."
That's the description on the cover notes of this
stunning new 256-page coffee-table book that captures
these critters in ways we've never imagined. To continue
from the notes, "This collection of more than 150
remarkable images was obtained using special photographic
techniques developed by Middleton to best capture
these extremely fragile -- and often tiny -- creatures
on camera. Vivid portraits reveal the exceptional qualities
of these animals, including the startling variety in
their design and construction. Each image is a portrait
of a unique individual, unlike any other, with features
and gestures all its own. With these gorgeous images,
Middleton not only makes us keenly aware of the stark reality about why
we are losing so
many of these
animals to environmental
destruction,
but she also
helps us to discern
why it matters.
Middleton's
engaging essays
present marine
invertebrates as
the protagonists
in the unfolding
drama of life on
earth, and examine how they acquired their vast array
of body designs as well as the underlying unity that
drives this spectacular diversity of lifestyles. Two species
were actually "discovered" during the course of
this project.
While a provocative coffee-table book, serious divers
with an eye for the spineless creatures of the seas
will find the photos astonishing and the discussions
enlightening. Purchase it through Undercurrent at
www.undercurrent.org/UCnow/bookpicks.shtml (you'll go to Amazon.com), and the commission we
earn will go to various projects to save coral reefs.