Biological Sciences

In the Mesozoic Era, while dinosaurs roamed on land, giant carnivorous reptiles ruled the seas. These enormous underwater creatures have enthralled the public imagination since Mary Anning discovered spectacular reptile skeletons on Dorset’s ‘Jurassic Coast’ in the early 1800s.

Join palaeontologist Darren Naish on a tour of these incredible animals, ranging from shark-shaped ichthyosaurs and long-necked plesiosaurs to gigantic, predatory mosasaurs. Occupying roles similar to those of modern sharks, seals and whales, they filled the ancient oceans for a period of 180 million years.

Naish charts the evolutionary rise of the ancient sea reptiles and their domination of the Mesozoic Seas. He reveals how these reptiles moved in water, the anatomical advantages of their soft tissue, skin and blubber, how their jaws were specialized for aquatic prey, and the sensory organs that enabled them to see, smell or hear underwater.

Later chapters focus on each of the major lineages: the shark-shaped ichthyosaurs, the long-necked plesiosaurs; the crocodilelike thalattosuchians, the fast-swimming mosasaurs, and the first sea turtles.

The book is richly illustrated with photographs of striking specimens and artistic reconstructions which bring these giants of the sea to life.

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A bumper sticker book with over 20 awesome animals to complete.
Meet some of Planet Earth’s deadliest, strangest and most incredible animals with this bumper sticker book. As you journey from the depths of the ocean to tropical forests and mountaintops, you’ll meet hammerhead sharks, saltwater crocodiles, lions, whales and many more. There are over 20 animals to complete using the stickers, and you can read the descriptions to find out fascinating facts about each one.

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This book, published to coincide with a major exhibition at the National Maritime Museum, explores and celebrates Turner’s lifelong fascination with the sea. It also sets his work within the context of marine painting in the 19th century. Each chapter has an introductory text followed by discussion of specific paintings. Four of the chapters conclude with a feature essay on a specific topic.

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Dive into this uniquely elegant visual exploration of the sea

An informative and utterly beautiful introduction to marine life and the ocean environment, The Science of the Ocean book brings the riches of the underwater world onto the printed page.

Astounding photography reveals an abundance of life, from microscopic plankton to great whales, seaweed to starfish. Published in association with the Natural History Museum, the book explores every corner of the oceans, from coral reefs and mangrove swamps to deep ocean trenches.

Along the way, and with the help of clear, simple illustrations, it explains how life has adapted to the marine environment, revealing for example how a stonefish delivers its lethal venom and how a sponge sustains itself by sifting food from passing currents. It also examines the physical forces and processes that shape the oceans, from global circulation systems and tides to undersea volcanoes and tsunamis.

To most of us, the marine world is out of reach. But with the help of photography and the latest technology, The Science of the Ocean brings us up close to animals, plants, and other living things that inhabit a fantastic and almost incomprehensibly beautiful other dimension.

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An Underwater Guide to the Red Sea introduces over 1,000 species of invertebrate and over 200 species of coral, forming the basis of a marine eco-system which includes 1,100 species of fish, of which just under 20% are endemic. The high level of endemism is one of the main factors that makes scuba diving in Egypt so attractive. The dive sites offer unobstructed opportunities to spot tropical marine life in crystal-clear waters, ranging from sharks and dolphins to gorgonian fans and feather-stars. Diving types include shallow patch reefs, drift dives and walls, and a collection of some of the most interesting wrecks you are likely to find anywhere, including the world-famous Carnatic and Thistlegorm wrecks. Many of the reefs stretch out far into the sea and form intricate labyrinths of plateaus, lagoons, caves and gardens. Divided into three parts, the first is an introduction to diving and snorkelling in the Red Sea including what to expect and where to base yourself; next a guide to the best sites for diving and snorkelling; and finally a photographic identification of 282 of the most common species of fish, invertebrates, corals and megafauna. The second edition has been carefully updated, so that it continues to be an essential pocket guide for divers and snorkellers.

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WINNER OF THE HOLYER AN GO AWARD 2023

Wyl Menmuir’s The Draw of the Sea is a beautifully written and deeply moving portrait of the sea and the people whose livelihoods revolve around it, examining the ephemeral but universal pull the sea holds over the human imagination.

Since the earliest stages of human development, the sea has fascinated and entranced us. It feeds us, sustaining communities and providing livelihood, but it also holds immense destructive power that threatens to destroy all we have created.
 
It connects us to faraway places, offering the promise of new lands and voyages of discovery, but also shapes our borders, carving divisions between landmasses and eroding the very ground beneath our feet.

In this lyrical meditation on what it is that draws us to the waters’ edge, author Wyl Menmuir tells the stories of the people whose lives revolve around the coastline and all it has to offer.

In twelve interlinked chapters, Menmuir explores the lives of local fishermen steeped in the rich traditions of a fishing community, the beachcombers who wander the shores in search of the varied objects that wash ashore and the stories they tell, and all number of others who have made their lives around the sea.

In the specifics of these livelihoods and their rich histories and traditions, Wyl Menmuir captures the universal human connection to the ocean’s edge. Into this seductive tapestry Wyl weaves the story of how the sea has beckoned, consoled and restored him.

The Draw of the Sea is a meaningful and moving work into how we interact with the environment around us and how it comes to shape the course of our lives. As unmissable as it is compelling, as profound as it is personal, this must-read book will delight anyone familiar with the intimate and powerful pull which the sea holds over us.

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A beautifully presented, practical gift guide for all surf seekers. Explained with fascinating, easy-to-understand commentary from surfer and scientist Easkey Britton, this guide helps you soak up maximum vitamin sea.

The book is divided into six main sections – each filled with exercises, ideas and fun facts to help you reconnect with your oceanic roots and create special moments by the sea…

Reading the Sea – watch waves, move with the tides, understand rips and currents, getting to know the sea and your limits.
What the Sea Does for Us – appreciate the food, feel-good factors, and even medicines that the sea has to offer. Plus learn about its fundamental role in climate control.
We are Ocean – explore the multi-sensory environment the sea has to offer.
The Power of the Sea to Heal – from seaweed and ocean plasma to social change and ocean therapy.
The Sea is Calling – try your hand at beach combing, wave play, rockpooling, bird watching, searching for jellyfish and bioluminescence and swimming in the sea.
Things to Do for the Sea – with guides to beach clean-ups, sustainable foraging, restoring coastal habitats and inclusion and diversity ideas to make the sea accessible to all, you’ll have everything you need to be the hero our seas need.

Taking an inclusive global outlook on the subject, and complemented by Maria Nilsson’s captivating drawings, this timely book will show you the benefits of doing things by and for the sea – and how those benefits can spill over into your daily life.

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Kayaking the Sea Roads is a personal journey by sea kayak into the heart of the sea roads that make up our Scottish Highlands and islands. Blending the intensity of the journey with a careful observation of the natural world and first-hand knowledge of the challenges of living and working in this place, the author reminds us that mother nature, vast and resilient, is still out there beyond our mobile phones and urban lives. For those with the eyes to see, its natural rhythms can awaken a deep sense of wonder and give us cause to become part of the environmental recovery so sorely needed. With Ed, we travel low in the water with the restless sea ever present and we camp with him on remote rough shores. We share his feelings of wonder at the natural world, his fear at the exposure to rough seas and we encounter with him not just the myriad animals and birds that share his every day but also the people, their communities and the often gnarly rural issues impacting on human and animal alike. Alongside a deeply felt appreciation of the natural environment is a first-hand insight into the environmental and land-management issues pertinent to the Highland coast. By exploring, for instance, the impact of native versus non-native species, of community land ownership, of tourism, hunting and the varied other uses and indeed non-uses of coastal lands and seas, the readers’ eyes are opened to a Scottish Highlands that is so much more than just a pretty view. At the surface, this is an adventure story, but at its heart, it is a tale about belonging and a deep sense of place; and it is a journey home, home in the end to where the author’s Highland love affair began.

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‘What a fun book! Reading Sea Fever is enticing and intriguing, like watching floating treasure bob past your nose.’ Tristan Gooley, author of The Natural Navigator

Can you interpret the shipping forecast? Do you know your flotsam from your jetsam? Or who owns the foreshore? Can you tie a half-hitch – or would you rather splice the mainbrace?

Full of charming illustrations and surprising facts, Sea Fever provides the answers to all these and more. Mixing advice on everything from seasickness to righting a capsized boat with arcane marine lore, recipes, history, dramatic stories of daring-do and guides to the wildlife we share our shores with, even the most experienced ocean-dweller will find something in these pages to surprise and delight.

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In Fish, Fishing and the Meaning of Life Jeremy Paxman creates the perfect literary catch for fellow angling enthusiasts in this rich and varied anthology.

‘A superb compilation because it roams from carp to cod, trout to tarpon and does not regurgitate the same old clippings’ Independent on Sunday.

Each chapter is introduced by Paxman’s own sharp, humorous observations and features both contemporary and historical writing about fishing in prose and verse, covering everything from tench tickling to piranha attacks. Some pieces are well known favourites, others are obscure, every one is a delight.

Jeremy Paxman is a journalist, best known for his work presenting Newsnight and University Challenge. His books include Empire, On Royalty, The English and The Political Animal. He lives in Oxfordshire.

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Whether you’re an experienced angler or have only just picked up a rod, this is an indispensable reference guide to fishing.

The Complete Fishing Manual is your definitive guide to all things fishing, covering everything from strategies and techniques to bait, tackle, and kit. This manual will assist you every step of the way.

Within the pages of this manual you’ll find:

– Fully illustrated with high-quality photography and illustrations
– Information covering fishing techniques in all types of conditions and waters, from freshwater to saltwater
– Essential advice on anatomy, behaviour, and habitats
– Assistance from the very beginning all the way to the final catch, including getting your licence and reeling in your line
– Step by step diagrams on how to prepare your rod for different types of fish
– Includes how to fit and use different types of accessories to enhance your chances of catching fish
– Diagnostic spreads go from symptom to solution – the manual will answer all of your fishing questions
– The world’s best fishing locations and the species you can find there

Whether you’re a pro, fly-fishing in the rivers of the UK or a novice figuring out the reel, this manual has all the information you need to plan your next fishing adventure. Vivid illustrations and detailed photographs draw you in, offer essential advice on anatomy, habitat and behaviour. Details of every fishing strategy and technique can be found within these pages, ensuring you are ever-ready.

Casting your net further to the north of Italy and beautiful Spain, this book also takes you on a journey through the world’s best fishing destinations, acquainting you with once-in-a-lifetime species found in this region.

Complete the series:
The Complete Manual series is an exciting, informative and vividly illustrated series of books. With titles such as The Complete Bike Owners Manual, The Complete Sailors Manual, and The Complete Gardener’s Manual, this series offers a beautiful cross-section of titles for keen hobbyists.

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Everything the first time fish-keeper needs to know to set up a tank. Clear, easy-to-follow instructions help you create and develop your aquarium – whether it’s coldwater, tropical or marine. Charts and tables show how to deal with ailments and diseases, and there’s a guide to the most common fish. There are profiles of over 100 tropical, marine and coldwater fish, as well as plants and invertebrates.

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This comprehensive guide is the most complete owner’s manual for keeping all types of freshwater and marine fish. The book will take you through all the options in choosing the right fish for any water temperature – tropical and coldwater – and for all types of environment – indoor aquariums or outdoor ponds. Know the difference between keeping marine fish and freshwater fish, including differences in aquarium setups, and feeding and caring for your pet fish. Learn to tell if your fish are healthy and find out everything you need to breed them successfully. The Encyclopedia of Aquarium & Pond Fish contains a huge photographic colour reference directory of over 800 of the most popular fish, which not only shows you what they look like, but also gives you the key information you need, such as how big they will grow, whether they integrate with different fish, what food they eat, and what water type and temperature they prefer.

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The watery habitats of the world are home to a more varied and concentrated array of animal life than anywhere on dry land. This guide contains an explanation of how certain key animal groups have evolved to live and breed within their different environments. The detailed directory section provides a comprehensive overview to the vast array of marine and freshwater life that inhabit the globe. Each profile features a descriptive identification guide and contains a map to pinpoint distribution, plus information on habitat, size, breeding and more. This visual encyclopedia offers an insight into the wonderful world of freshwater and marine creatures.

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Featuring comedic captions, relatable memes and a collection of the world’s most hilarious doggos, this book is a pawsome gift for anyone who enjoys preposterous pooch pics

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that dogs are one of the most hilarious animals on the planet. From amusingly awkward sleeping positions, to pulling bizarre expressions, to zoomies so quick they give themselves a “frighten”, wherever there’s a doggo there’s always something silly and splendid to be seen.

Funny Dogs is here to chronicle these important moments of absurdity. Within its pages, you’ll find:

– A selection of ridiculous dogs in high-quality photo form
– Witty captions to make you laugh out loud
– Priceless expressions and relatable memes for all the moments you thought you were the only one (but realized you weren’t)
There is simply no end to the nonsense that dogs are capable of – and this book is here to celebrate, honour and cherish that fact.

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Featuring comedic captions, relatable memes and a collection of the world’s funniest felines, this book is the purr-fect gift for connoisseurs of hilarious cat content

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that cats are some of the funniest animals on the planet. From contorting themselves into strange shapes, to pulling bizarre expressions, to cramming themselves into tiny cardboard boxes, wherever there’s a cat there’s always something weird and wonderful to be seen.

Funny Cats is here to chronicle these important moments of absurdity. Within its pages, you’ll find:

– A selection of ridiculous cats in high-quality photo form
– Witty captions to make you laugh out loud
– Priceless expressions and relatable memes for all the moments you thought you were the only one (but realized you weren’t)
There is simply no end to the nonsense that cats are capable of – and this book is here to celebrate, honour and cherish that fact.

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This frank and hilarious illustrated gift book is the perfect guide to why your cat thinks you are an idiot

You dote on your fluffy feline, but it may feel like the relationship is a little one-sided at times. Whether it’s the judgemental stares or the cold shoulders, sometimes your cat doesn’t seem to have the same enthusiasm for you as you do for them. If you’re wondering why they treat you this way, allow this book to explain; your cat thinks you’re a fool!

Filled with witty original illustrations, this book offers many reasons why your pampered puss thinks you’re ridiculous and why they’re in charge. From following you into the bathroom to knocking things off shelves, gain insight into the mind of your moggy and allow them to explain why they act the way they do.

Perfect for any cat lovers, or long-suffering owners, this book reveals the truth: your cat just thinks you are an idiot.

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Barby Keel is used to all manner of creatures arriving at the door of the Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary where she lives and works, deep within the Sussex countryside. Nothing can prepare her for the arrival of Teddy, however, a neglected, traumatised puppy who is dumped at the gates of the sanctuary in a filthy box, terrified and desperate for someone to love.

Despite his scruffy appearance, Barby can’t help but feel a spark of affection for the overgrown puppy. But with Barby living in a caravan along with her four other dogs, she knows in her heart of hearts that Teddy deserves a more stable forever home.

Wiping away tears, she waves Teddy away to his new life with a young couple, knowing that she’s done what’s best for the animal. But barely a few days later, Teddy is returned to the sanctuary, his new family unable to cope with his boisterous behaviour and his ever-growing size. Barby tries desperately to re-home him, but Teddy is rejected over and over again by his new foster families. Anxious and terrified of being separated from her, Barby is now faced with the impossible task of working through the traumas of Teddy’s past to help the young dog.

But when she receives the devastating news that her beloved younger brother has received a shocking diagnosis, Barby’s life as she knows it is thrown into disarray.

Can the love of a gentle giant help Barby through the unimaginable? And will Barby’s unwavering devotion set Teddy free from the suffering he has endured?

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