Among the more than 2000 illustrations across the two volumes are colour photos by New Zealand’s best underwater photographers, and hundreds of line drawings giving extra anatomical detail. The volumes include references, a comprehensive glossary, a full index and a general introduction. New Zealand Coastal Marine Invertebrates is the largest and most comprehensive zoological book ever published in New Zealand, and provides access to a tremendous volume of material hitherto buried in the scientific literature.
As well as being a sound scientific text, New Zealand Coastal Marine Investebrates is also aesthetically appealing. The photographs are not uniformly excellent, but the majority are superb; likewise, the line drawings are beautiful. It is a pleasure to browse the book simply for the images.' New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater research
Steve Cook was born, raised and educated in New Zealand, and has always had a strong interest in marine natural history; from exploring rock pools while still very young, to doctoral research in sponge taxonomy, which led him to become a world expert in his chosen field. Steve is a freelance taxonomist and ecologist, with wide-ranging experience in New Zealand marine invertebrate biodiversity. He still explores rock pools.
The book has 36 other specialist contributors, from Australia, Japan, the US and Britain, as well as New Zealand, and includes the work of more than 85 underwater photographers. The line drawings are by artist Danielle Archer.
