Best book for shell identification

I think it depends on how deep you want to get into it.

The books David suggests use 120 and <100 pages to cover all of the invertebrates for the entire Cortez, which may not cover the other shore. So you're probably going to be able to key, what, 20-30 shells (the pacific lagoons have some lovely shells). Lots of frustration.

I've used this Peterson guide in the past. It was very comprehensive. So much so that it became difficult isolating your shell. However, there was an image for each shell so you didn't have to 'key them out'.

It looks as though the Audubon Guide may be superior and has great reviews from shell collectors. I've never opened this one.

This image is of the Peterson Guide.

[Edited on 3-13-2011 by Skipjack Joe]

Hi there Grace,

I have collected sea shells for many years and own many sea shell photo books and seal shell identification guides. These are 3 of my favorites
(in order of preference). Amazon URL's

A Collector's Guide to Seashells of the World
by - Jerome Eisenberg

Lots of very great pictures for identification. Paperback edition should be less than $20. Size about 8x11.

http://www.amazon.com/Collectors-Guide-Seashells-World/dp/05...

The Encyclopedia of Shells
by - Kenneth Wye
Again…lots of very good pictures for identification. Size and price in paperback about same as above.

http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Shells-Kenneth-R-Wye/dp/0...

National Audubon Society Guide to North American Seashells
Paperback book size guide with lots of good pictures. Nice plastic outside covering. Price under $20.

http://www.amazon.com/National-Audubon-Society-American-Seas...

Michael

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I will go on-line and track down the titles and see what I can get before my next trip down...only 3 weeks away!!!

Hi Again Grace,

I see you're from Washington. When I visited my brother in Redmond, I bought several SHELL books at HALF-PRICE BOOKS there in Redmond. Their selection was good...and the prices were also GOOD!

here's a list of their WA locations...

BELLEVUE n 15600 N.E. 8th St. Crossroads Shopping Center n 425.747.6616
EVERETT n 1321 S.E. Everett Mall Way n 425.290.9924
LYNNWOOD n 19500 Hwy. 99 next to Trader Joe’s n 425.776.8885
REDMOND n 7805 Leary Way across from Town Center n 425.702.2499
SEATTLE n 115 Belmont Ave. E. near Capitol Hill n 206.267.7777
4709 Roosevelt Way N.E. in the University District n 206.547.7859
TACOMA n 4027 Tacoma Mall Blvd. Rainier Place n 253.566.1238
TUKWILA n 16828 Southcenter Pkwy. next to Toys ‘R’ Us n 206.575.3173

Good Luck with you book hunting here and your seashell hunting in Baja!!

Miguelamo

Quote:

Originally posted by AmoPescar Hi Again Grace, I see you're from Washington. When I visited my brother in Redmond, I bought several SHELL books at HALF-PRICE BOOKS there in Redmond. Their selection was good...and the prices were also GOOD! here's a list of their WA locations... BELLEVUE n 15600 N.E. 8th St. Crossroads Shopping Center n 425.747.6616 EVERETT n 1321 S.E. Everett Mall Way n 425.290.9924 LYNNWOOD n 19500 Hwy. 99 next to Trader Joe’s n 425.776.8885 REDMOND n 7805 Leary Way across from Town Center n 425.702.2499 SEATTLE n 115 Belmont Ave. E. near Capitol Hill n 206.267.7777 4709 Roosevelt Way N.E. in the University District n 206.547.7859 TACOMA n 4027 Tacoma Mall Blvd. Rainier Place n 253.566.1238 TUKWILA n 16828 Southcenter Pkwy. next to Toys ‘R’ Us n 206.575.3173 Good Luck with you book hunting here and your seashell hunting in Baja!! Miguelamo

Muchas Gracias, Miguelamo! I actually live south of Olympia so I was looking at the list of places where I can find a Half Price Books and contemplating the savings there vs the overpriced gas it would cost me to get there when I decided to check HPB out on-line and you can buy from them on-line at good savings...including some great used books!! Thanks for the tip!