Kingdom Of The Octopus: The Life History Of The Cephalopoda

by Frank W. Lane

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is hard to rate outdated science books because if you're looking for currency, you won't find it here, but set in the proper context, it's a fascinating book and should be on any Cephalopod bookshelf. There are many cringe-worthy passages, like calling octopuses and squids beasts, monsters, killers, demons, etc. - and not just in historical accounts but in Lane's own perception or translations - and so many gruesome accounts of brutal treatment and barbaric experiments - some in the name of science, others for entertainment or sport - that if you're a cephalopod lover, you may have to grit your teeth while reading accounts of electrocuting, hacking up, cutting off, turning inside out, biting the brain stem, stabbing between the eyes, dehydrating, beating, dragging, and other ways people have killed and mutilated these animals. The last chapter, devoted to the Kraken, notes many interesting accounts and encounters of giant octopuses and squid from antiquity to the mid-20th century and literary references. If you're a serious student or a fan of cephalopod lore, take this book with a grain of salt. BTW, my copy has different dust jacket images, so I'm not sure if it's a different printing. Mine says revised 1974.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a really awesome non-fiction book. The perfect amount of pictures and interesting subject matter blended well. If you want to learn about cephlopods I'd think this would be a good start.

[Jim Hardwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in 1963. It inspired a life-long interest in cephalopods.