The Curious World of Seaweed

The Curious World of Seaweed is a total delight! I savored it, reading a chapter at a time.Jose Iselin’s brilliant, artistic photographs enable us to see seaweed afresh while her thoughtful text draws us to learn about the natural history of sixteen fascinating Pacific coast seaweed species—from the gorgeous feather boa to the luscious sea lettuce and dramatic bull kelp. The book features a stunning array of Iselin’s original photos as well as a collection of historic depictions of seaweeds, including paintings. Iselin’s images draw upon but transcend the tradition of natural history illustration, revealing seaweed’s beauty through lovely compositions and patterns. Ultimately, the book gave me a renewed sense of just how vital these beautiful marine plants are to the natural world –and enthusiasm to learn more about the seaweeds I find in my own shoreline walks.The book is a good introduction to seaweed and to the history of its study—known as phycology. Iselin describes sea weed life history and many interesting adaptations (air floats, holdfasts, pigments, different forms in different life phases). I also enjoyed the way she highlighted the contributions of many women scientists.Beyond the information and stories, this is a beautiful artbook that one might enjoy simply paging through, to be dazzled, again and again, by its wondrous images. For that reason, it would make a lovely gift for anyone who loves nature or the ocean.

While I could easily have devoured this entire book in one sitting, I so enjoyed taking my time and savoring each seaweed story over days, letting it soak in before moving on. The blend of storytelling, artistry, factual information, and even some philosophy is engaging and full of Josie’s intrepid, wonder-filled spirit. If you’re interested in the sea and its citizens, you’ll probably find this as fascinating as I did.

Illustrations are wonderful and book is beautifully produced by a favorite publisher, Heyday. But information is dense and hard to follow for a beginner. Common names are not in index and the text rambles on and I found it hard to follow. A lot of history and good information but not a field guide! My copy was marred by a torn crumpled page which can happen in the print run. One wonders if this was known and sold as new? Book should have been inspected and not sold as new. I found the problem after it was too late to replace it.

Spectacular, exquisite!

Such a beautiful book! I've always been fascinated with seaweed!!

Amazing art and information!

LIttle did I know that there were so many great stories to accompanythe beauty & ancient wonders of seaweed. The book is divided intobeautifully illustrated chapters focusing on individual seaweeds &seagrasses and the people who have studied them. A really enjoyable read!

Your browser does not support HTML5 video.  The Curious World of Seaweed book is a piece of Art ! This book just arrived to me yesterday and I was holding this book in my hands and enjoying the quality of the print . I quickly went through all the pages and I could not stop staring at the brilliant photographs of the seaweed. I am so looking forward now to read this book ! Thank you for this seaweed bible !

Wonderful