• The Sea Around Us was first published in 1950 and revised in 1960. The revisions mostly take the form of footnotes, which in my edition are shown in the text. TSAU is one of the single handful of most famous popular science books ever. I probably never would have picked it up, thinking it hopelessly outdated, except for a wonderful PBS documentary on Ms. Carson. But having the added hook, knowing the context, joined with the motivation of that it must be famous for something, inspired me after all these decades to give it a go.
So first of all, what is it? From the bio I know that it is highly scientific, i.e., it is largely based on primary sources. Also, that it was many years in writing. What emerges is 15 chapters, loosely grouped into three sections, which are loosely grouped into the book. Some of the subjects of the chapters are – what does the bottom of the ocean look like and how could these structures, e.g., canyons in the continental shelf have formed? How did humans migrate over the ocean, especially in prehistoric times? Some of the subjects are rich and surprising: life on the ocean bottom depends on the long snowfall of detritus.
Now for evaluation. I learned much. Considering the beginning was perhaps the most outdated I was pleasantly surprised. Of course, the tides must affect the deep ocean. The tides were really much higher in the ancient earth? Of course, since the moon was much closer. So, the oceans daily must have swept over much greater parts of the continents. And with violence.
How dated is it? There were only the first computers. Only the first satellites. Only the first DNA sequencing. Continental drift was still speculative. Deep ocean vents were still undiscovered. Some of the fun is seeing how much has changed, but yet how much they got right.
Much of the praise is for the writing and the language. Certainly, every word is indeed in its place. And every paragraph. Often the best language though is from the quotes, especially from the mariners. Digressing, I now understand Moana better than before!
So yes, it is a great book and very much recommended for anybody who looks forward to their vacation on the ocean every year. Especially if they love nature. And science.
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Promised a signed copy, but lied.
This listing is titled "The Sea Around Us - Signed by Rachel L. Carson," explicitly stating that Rachel Carson herself had signed this copy of the book. Instead, there is a small marking in the book saying "Rooney 1952." I did not want a copy of this book signed by "Rooney."The book was in great condition given its age, and was shipped adequately to prevent damage from water or impact on its way to me. However, I will be reporting this seller to amazon for the deceitful listing.
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Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 22, 2012