# Beautiful Shells: George Perry's Conchology - Hardcover

by **Mark Carnall** (Author)

**An informative introduction exploring our fascination with shells, complete with stunningly reproduced illustrations.**

In 1811, architect, stone mason, and shell obsessive George Perry published his lavishly illustrated volume, _Conchology or the Natural History of Shells_. The work featured 348 beautifully illustrated mollusk shells with descriptions of species, many of which were new to science.

Despite the effort that went into producing it--and at a time when conchophilia, or shell fancying, was at its height--Perry's _Conchology_ disappeared from scientific literature, after being suppressed by the leading conchologists of the day and then cruelly mocked for decades after.

_Beautiful Shells_ reproduces the stunning, exquisitely drawn, and sometimes fanciful shell illustrations from this extraordinary forgotten volume. Following an introduction exploring our fascination with shells and their impact on human history, culture, and science, each of the sixty-one color illustrations is included alongside a description of notable shells and what is known of the mysterious organisms that make them. From the common limpet and razor clam to the valuable cowry and spectacular divine conch, the wide range of featured shells form a treasure trove of natural beauty from our oceans and shores.

### Author Biography

**Mark Carnall** is collections manager of human remains and non-insect invertebrate collections at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

**Number of Pages:** 192

**Dimensions:** 0.9 x 8.2 x 6.4 IN

**Publication Date:** November 21, 2024

## Details

- **Price:** 40.0 USD
- **Vendor:** Books by splitShops
- **Type:** Books
- **Tags:** Books by splitShops, Shopify Collective

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default Title | 40.00 USD | In stock |

## Images

- Beautiful Shells: George Perry's Conchology - Hardcover

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