Seashells and exotic tree snails can be found almost anywhere in the world: from the depths of the oceans to the sandy seashores and from the tropical South Sea isles to the highlands of the Himalayas. More than 80,000 kinds of shells exist and a rich sampling of them can be found in this handsome book along with the fascinating story of how mollusks live, breed and give birth. Since prehistoric times we have used shells as ornaments, food, tools, money and symbols of religion and fertility. Intriguing facts about such shells — from colorful clams and conchs to shiny cowries and gaudy scallops — abound. The more than 160 full-color pictures that appear in this book were taken by oceanographers, shell explorers and some of the world's most accomplished nature photographers. An international fellowship of shell collectors search the remote areas of the earth to study and photograph these exquisite, living forms. Like frozen crystallized remains, the intricate sculpturing and dazzling patterns record the life history of each individual shell; these photographs are the next best thing to holding a shell in our hands. The author, Dr. R. Tucker Abbott, an internationally known authority in conchology,l has also provided an index of the common names as well as an index of the scinetific names of the shells pictured. Everyone, whether vacationing beachcomber or serious collector, will find Shells delightful and informative — and beautiful.