Originally published in 1852 as "A Conchological Manual", this wonderfully comprehensive study of shells, including more than 700 illustrations in full color and black and white, entices the reader into a world of beauty, and the quite contemplation of some of the smaller, but not less wonderful, creations of nature. Sowerby has combined his own meticulous research with the work of great natural historians such as Lamarck and De Blainville, both of whom had devised important systems of conchological classification invaluable to the serious collector. He begins by defining a shell, its structure and growth, the habits and characteristics of land, freshwater and sea shells, and progresses into ever more detailed descriptions of particular genera. His text, which is powerful in its own descriptive clarity, is enhanced by fine black and white woodcuts. The main part of the volume is the conchological directory, an impressive compilation arrangedalphabetically and completed throughout by Sowerby's own exquisite color engravings: Aphrodite, Boar's Tusk, Mother of Pearl, Nogrobs, Saddle Oyster and Scissurella are just a few of the curious and rare specimens so vividly depicted.