In addition to a bathing suit and canvas sneakers, little collecting gear is needed... (page 40, Collecting Mollusks)

{HISTORY}

Between the author and the illustrator of Seashells of North America, over 70 books have been published celebrating the natural world by conchologist Robert Tucker Abbott (1919-1995) and artist George Sandstrom (1925-2006).

Whether focusing on shells and mollusks (Robert) or birds, aquatic life, flowers, and minerals (George), these two experts were the cream of the crop when it came to studying, identifying, and understanding seashells and the creatures that inhabit them. 

Robert studied at Harvard and worked at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC, the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, and the Museum of Nature and Science in Delaware. George was a self-taught artist who grew up in Argentina and originally aspired to be an actor. By the time Seashells of North America was published in 1968, both men were well on their way in their careers of artistic and scientific study and the recognition it brought their work.

With passions for their chosen fields born in youth, George and Robert approached this field about seashells with all the thoroughness and enthusiasm you might expect of two experts in love with the ocean and all its creatures. Containing all the practical information of a traditional field guide, including location and vivid visual descriptions,  each shell is also illustrated in full color for easy identification. When taken out into the field, a ruler printed on the inside back cover adds precision to each discovery, and introductions to each type of family classification offer insight and context into each shell's characteristics. 

If there is anything more fun than picnicking at the beach, it would be shell-seeking, beachcombing, and delighting in whatever objects wash up on shore. But there is something special about seashells that seems to captivate every beachgoer. With this handy guide, you can take a mini-vacation and get lost in the world of seashell identification, both literally and figuratively. Whether you like to comb the beach for a specific type of shell or gather enough variety to fill a big bag, this field guide will augment all your interests and perhaps entertain your fellow picnickers with some interesting fun facts, too.

Photo of Robert Tucker Abbott courtesy of the Hartford Courant, Dec 14th, 1958. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• 1968 Paperback edition by Golden Press
• 280 pages
• The first 51 pages cover all the basics of shell anatomy, history, and life cycles
• Illustrated on every page
• Contains a detailed index for quick reference

{CONDITION}

In beautiful vintage condition, this book is very clean and bright throughout with no spots, stains, notations, or creased pages. The spine is tight and uncreased. The coverboards are bright and in excellent condition. Please see photos.

{SIZE}

Measures 7.5" inches (length) x 4.5" inches (width) x .5" inches (thickness) and weighs 11 oz.