In 1811, architect, stone mason and shell obsessive George Perry published a lavishly illustrated volume, his Conchology or the Natural History of Shells, featuring 348 beautifully illustrated mollusc shells with descriptions of species, many of which were new to science. Despite the effort that went into producing the work, at a time when conchophilia, or shell fancying, was at its height, Perrys Conchology all but disappeared without a trace in the scientific literature, apparently actively suppressed by the leading conchologists of the day and then cruelly mocked for decades afterwards. This book reproduces the stunning, exquisitely drawn and sometimes fanciful shell illustrations from this extraordinary forgotten volume. Following an introduction exploring our fascination with shells and their impact on human history, culture and science, each of the sixty-one colour plates is included alongside a description of notable shells and what is known of the mysterious organisms that make them. From the common limpet and razor clam to the valuable cowry and spectacular divine conch, the wide range of shells featured form a treasure trove of natural beauty from our oceans and shores. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged.

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Bibliographic Details

Title: Beautiful Shells: George Perry's Conchology
Publisher: Bodleian Library, United Kingdom
Publication Date: 2024
Language: English
ISBN 10: 1851246169
ISBN 13: 9781851246168
Binding: Paperback
Condition: Very Good
Weight: 585 grams

About this title

Synopsis

An informative introduction exploring our fascination with shells, complete with stunningly reproduced illustrations.

In 1811, architect, stone mason, and shell obsessive George Perry published his lavishly illustrated volume, Conchology or the Natural History of Shells. The work featured 348 beautifully illustrated mollusk shells with descriptions of species, many of which were new to science.

Despite the effort that went into producing it—and at a time when conchophilia, or shell fancying, was at its height—Perry’s Conchology disappeared from scientific literature, after being suppressed by the leading conchologists of the day and then cruelly mocked for decades after.

Beautiful Shells reproduces the stunning, exquisitely drawn, and sometimes fanciful shell illustrations from this extraordinary forgotten volume. Following an introduction exploring our fascination with shells and their impact on human history, culture, and science, each of the sixty-one color illustrations is included alongside a description of notable shells and what is known of the mysterious organisms that make them. From the common limpet and razor clam to the valuable cowry and spectacular divine conch, the wide range of featured shells form a treasure trove of natural beauty from our oceans and shores.

About the Author

Mark Carnall is collections manager of human remains and non-insect invertebrate collections at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

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