Ocean Planet: Writings and Images of the Sea

by peter-benchley-edited-by-judith-gradwohl, Judith Gradwohl (Editor)

Through engaging essays, powerful photos, and compelling facts, Ocean Planet explores the role that the vast and beautiful seas play in our lives. Published on the 25th anniversary of Earth Day, this book will change the way readers think about the sea around them. 115 illustrations, 86 in color.

Hardcover

First published May 1, 1995

Reviews

[Brett]

I'm no great lover of the sea--in fact I've only seen the ocean a few times in my whole life--but this collection still held my interest, due to a few particularly engaging essays, but mostly the great photos thoughout the book.

There was one essay that made a real impact on me: The Star Thrower by Loren Eiseley. It's a beatiful little story about knowing what we can save and what we cannot and how we cope or don't cope with that. I also liked reading about early attempts of scientists to descend to deep parts of the ocean, and the first ever use of SCUBA gear. But there are dozens of very cool photos throughout the book that are the real subject and the main reason to recommend it. I didn't realize how enormous tuna can be until I saw the picture of one being hauled onto a boat by several fishermen: it looks photoshopped. The book raises various ecological issues as well, which have only gotten more urgent since the time of its publication.

I liked reading this a lot more than I thought I would.