Book Review: What is a Shell? by Tom Rice

Great introduction to seashell collecting!!

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An Excerpt from the Introduction: "Within the pages of this small volume it is impossible to cover all of the various species of shells occuring along the coasts of the United States, but I have attempted to present a sampling of the more colorful, interesting, and common of the shells to help introduce you to the world of the mollusk."

I really enjoyed reading this booklet. It is only 64 pages, but there are quite a few shells tucked inside. I really like the format of the book.

 

It breaks the shells down into the following categories...
Chitons
Tusks
Cephalopods
Snails
True Limpets
Keyhole Limpets
Abalones
Top Shells
Star Shells and Turbans
Periwinkles and Nerites
Worm Shells
Sundial
Button Snail
The Slipper Shells
 Bubble Shells
Violet Snails
Moon Snails
Carrier Shells
Helmets, Tritons, and Bonnets
Murex
Thais
Dove Shells
Mud Snails
Crown Shells
Volutes
Olives
Nutmegs
Marginella
Miters
Cowries
Flamingo Tongue and Relatives
Whelks
Conchs
Pelican's Foot
Horse Conch and Tulips
Cones and Terebra
Nudibranchs
Land and Freshwater Snails
Clams
Bittersweets
Mussels
Arks
Cockles
Spondylus
Jewel Box
Jingles
Scallops
Lion's Paw Scallop
Oysters
Jacknife Clams
Razor Clams
Boring Clams
Tellins
Coquinas
Venus Clams
Freshwater Clams

Obviously there are much larger books that cover a lot more than this small book. I found it to be just the right size for beginning my education on seashells. There are many photos (every other page is covered with photos of shells). I have found many shells that I was trying to identify within the pages of this book. I can then research those shells in other books or online if needed. The photos are good quality considering the book was printed in 1973. I have decided to give the book a full 5 Stars in the category of Introduction to Shell Collecting. If I was comparing it to a full Encyclopedia for serious hobbiest, I would probably give it three stars.

My family will receive a very small commission if you purchase this book through our Amazon link. This will not change the purchasing price in any way. My family thanks you.

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