Beautiful Shells by Mark Carnall

In 1811, architect, stone mason and shell obsessive George Perry published a lavishly illustrated volume, his Conchology or the Natural History of Shells, featuring 348 beautifully illustrated mollusc shells with descriptions of species, many of which were new to science.

Despite the effort that went into producing the work, at a time when ‘conchophilia’, or shell fancying, was at its height, Perry’s Conchology all but disappeared without a trace in the scientific literature, apparently actively supressed by the leading conchologists of the day and then cruelly mocked for decades afterwards.

This book 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 colour plates 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 shells featured form a treasure trove of natural beauty from our oceans and shores.

A treasure trove of natural beauty from our oceans and shores, George Perry’s stunning illustrations of shells from his largely forgotten volume are lavishly reproduced here, together with informative descriptions of some of the most notable specimens.

About the Author:

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

26 Sep 2024
 

Beautiful Shells by Mark Carnall ISBN 9781851246168