"A comprehensive and beautifully illustrated guide to 1,200 seashells." Seashells have an enduring beauty and fascination that is irresistible. Visiting and exploring any freshwater or marine beach usually includes hunting and gathering shells. The Guide to the Seashells of the World is a comprehensive identification guide that covers a wide range of shells from all parts of the world. The book combines comprehensive and informative text with 1,200 color illustrations, focusing on the shells themselves rather than on the marine creatures that once inhabited them. An introductory section covers mollusks and their classification, terminology, collecting shells, along with conservation issues and an invaluable identification key. The main section is the identification guide to 1,200 species in precise detail and clarity. The description of each species is accompanied on the same page with an easy-to-use identification key and color illustration. The specific details for each entry include: Color picture of the shell Shell size Distribution and locations Color and texture Defining characteristics. Guide to the Seashells of the World is an ideal reference for shell aficionados.