Book Review

by Paul Ganderton

Fish JD. and Fish S. 1996. A Student's Guide to the Seashore. 2nd. ed. Cambridge University Press. pp xv + 564. ISBN 0 521 46819 1. £19.95. (also hardback 0 521 46279 7 @ £55.00).

This text aims to provide an identification guide and biology for over 600 common seashore species. A brief introduction describes the basic characteristics of the seashore. This is followed by an illustrated guide to allow organisms to be assigned to phyla. The body of the text is used to deal with each phylum in turn. A common format is maintained. A brief description of the biology is given followed by classification. Each class is analysed in turn using keys and illustrated descriptions. At the end there is a list of references.

Anyone trying to cover the biology and ecology of the seashore has set themselves a large task. The sheer range and depth of species described mark this text out. It is very well illustrated although with today's students one might have preferred colour illustrations to than black and white drawings. Much of the biology and ecology is superficial but it does highlight the major aspects. Given the range of seashore studies possible one would need a more detailed text for specific details but as an introductory guide this one has much to recommend it.