Big Fish ~ Hardback ~ Richard Ellis

From painter and popular naturalist Richard Ellis, America's foremost illustrator and chronicler of undersea life, comes "Big Fish", a unique guide to the natural history of swordfish, tuna, marlins, sharks and all other marine life larger than the average adult human. For eons, these fascinating animals have captivated our collective imagination and for good reason: they form an essential part of our global food supply, they remain the largest known animals in the sea (with the exception of mammals), and they dominate central touchstones in mythology, religion, literature, and popular culture - from Jonah to Jaws.Blending natural history, art and science with historical, cultural and personal lore, Ellis describes the evolution and behaviour of these giants of the sea, weaving in anecdotes, archival images and photos related to legendary catches and discoveries. Along the way we meet big-game fisherman like Ernest Hemingway and Zane Grey. We also meet all manner of tuna - from bluefin and yellowfin to albacore and bigeye; marlins - from black, blue and stripped, to spearfish; and, sharks - from the long-extinct Megamouth to the tiger shark to the frightful and fascinating Great White. Perfect for all those enchanted by the mysteries of the deep, "Big Fish" illuminates natural history with wit, charm, artistry and humor.Author BiographyRichard Ellis is the foremost painter of marine natural history in America. His Book of Sharks and Book of Whales are believed to be the most popular books on sharks and whales ever written, and he has contributed to or been featured in over eighty magazines and journals such as Audubon, Natural History, Animal Kingdom, Smithsonian, and American Artist. He is a research associate at the American Museum of Natural history, a special advisor to the American Cetacean Society and a member of the Explorers Club.