Spineless: Portraits of Marine Invertebrates, the Backbone of Life

Product Description In Spineless, acclaimed photographer Susan Middleton explores the mysterious and surprising world of marine invertebrates, which represent more than 98 percent of the known animal species in the ocean. They are also astonishingly diverse in their shapes, patterns, textures, and colors - in natures fashion show, they are the haute couture of marine life. This collection of more than 250 remarkable images is the result of seven years of painstaking fieldwork across the Pacific ocean, using photographic techniques that Middleton developed to capture these extremely fragile creatures on camera. She also provides short essays that examine the place these invertebrates occupy on the tree of life, their vast array of forms, and their lives in the ocean. Scientist Bernadette holthuis contributes profiles describing each species, many of them for the first time. Middletons book is a stunning new view of nature that harmoniously combines art and science. Review Each image is rendered in exquisite detail. . . . As pure art it is a celebration for the eyes. As a tribute to natures inventiveness, it is an inspiration for the soul.-- Natural History MagazineGorgeous portraits.-- Smithsonian.comMiddleton is a gifted photographer.-- Seattle TimesNothing short of spectacular.-- BookPageRavishing . . . rekindles a certain sense of wonder from childhood.-- New York TimesSusan Middleton, whose brilliant photography of wildlife is unexcelled, has brought to life and intimacy the small creatures who make up the foundation of animal life in marine waters.-- Edward O. Wilson, University Research Professor Emeritus, Harvard UniversityThe marine invertebrates in her photographs are such beautiful, ethereal, otherworldly creatures, they almost appear to float atop the pages.-- Entertainment WeeklyThere is nothing in this book that does not inspire awe and delight. Dive in!-- Wall Street JournalThis is a wonderful tribute to the astonishingly diverse, beautiful, and urgently important creatures who truly rule the world.-- Sylvia A. Earle, Explorer in Residence at National Geographic, Founder of Mission BlueA gorgeous, light-drenched book that treats the senses. In one exquisitely-crafted portrait after another, accompanied by stirring prose, Middleton reminds us that we share the planet with equally fascinating neighbors, some of whom just happen to live beneath the waves.-- Diane Ackerman, Author of The Human Age About the Author Susan Middleton is a photographer, author and lecturer specialising in portraiture of rare and endangered animals, plants, sites and cultures. She was Chair of the Department of Photography at the California Academy of Sciences for 13 years, where she currently serves as Research associate. Her books include Evidence of Evolution, Archipelago, Remains of a Rainbow, Witness and Here Today and her photographs have been shown and published throughout the world.