Kraken: The Curious, Exciting, and Slightly Disturbing Science of Squid

by Wendy Williams (2)

Overview

The enthralling examination of one of the most popular and most intriguing animals in the deep blue sea

The ocean is the last remaining source of profound mystery and discovery on Earth with eighty percent of it still largely unexplored; thus, it is of perennial fascination. In Kraken: The Curious, Exciting, and Slightly Disturbing Science of Squid, journalist Wendy Williams introduces one of the ocean’s most charismatic, monstrous, enigmatic, and curious inhabitants: the squid. More than just calamari, squid species are fascinatingly odd creatures, with much to teach us about our own species, not to mention the obsessive interest so many of us can't help but have for the enormous beast that is the giant squid, which is quick to attack sperm whales, and even submarines and boats. Williams also examines other equally enthralling cephalopods, including the octopus and the cuttlefish, and explores their otherworldly abilities, such as camouflage and bioluminescence. Kraken takes the reader on a wild ride through the world of squid science and adventure, along the way answering some riddles about how the human brain works, what intelligence really is, and what monsters lie in the deep. Wendy Williams weaves a rich narrative tapestry around her subject, drawing powerfully on the passions and discoveries of scientists, fisherman, and squid enthusiasts around the world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781613120859
Publisher:	ABRAMS
Publication date:	03/01/2011
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	NOOK Book
Pages:	224
File size:	8 MB

About the Author

Wendy Williams's writing has appeared on the front pages of the Boston Globe, the Christian Science Monitor, and The Baltimore Sun. She's also written for the New York Times, Parade Magazine, the Wall Street Journal, and Science. Williams is the coauthor of Cape Wind, which was named one of 2007's ten best environmental books by Booklist and one of the year's best science books by Library Journal. She lives on Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Table of Contents

Introduction: From Vampire to Wallflower 8

Chapter 1 A Wonderful Fish 13

Chapter 2 A Saltwater Serengeti 30

Chapter 3 Blue Bloods 39

Chapter 4 Architeuthis on Ice 50

Chapter 5 Fuzzy Math and Tentacles 62

Chapter 6 Luminous Seas 78

Chapter 7 Diaphanous and Delicate 98

Chapter 8 Solving Frankenstein's Mystery 107

Chapter 9 Serendipitous Squid 121

Chapter 10 Heure d'Amour 132

Chapter 11 Playdate 147

Chapter 12 Fan Clubs and Film Stars 159

Chapter 13 One Lucky Sucker 170

Chapter 14 Smart Skin 184

Epilogue: Curious, Exciting-Yet Slightly Disturbing 196

Acknowledgments 201

Bibliography 204

Videos 212

Index 214

Editorial Reviews

Did you know that your brain bears a strong resemblance to that of the giant squid and that studying the squid's brain may offer insight into a cure for Alzheimer's? Environmental journalist Williams (Cape Wind) traces sightings of the giant squid throughout the centuries. This sea monster was long dismissed as a legend until a 19th-century naturalist reeled in one of the organism's ten appendages. Discussion of the anatomy, physiology, reproduction, evolution, and taxonomy of Architeuthis is provided, along with accounts of the author's visits to various scientific laboratories and descriptions of research studies being conducted on the animal. VERDICT This volume provides background information to whet readers' curiosity and can be supplemented by Richard Ellis's The Search for the Giant Squid, which is a more comprehensive study. On its own, this serves as a good introduction to the subject for general readers and an inspiration to young people interested in marine biology.—Judith Barnett, Pell Marine Science Lib., Univ. of Rhode Island, Kingston

Library Journal