I was looking through the pages of A Diver’s Guide to Reef Life this morning and suddenly (well, 2 hours later actually) my inbox was looking rather daunting. The underwater photography in this book is, quite simply, inspiring. I’ve suddenly got an urge to invest 2 months salary in fins, cylinders, confusing watches and a one-way flight to French Polynesia. I’m almost tempted to contact the publisher and suggest that they print a financial warning on the front cover.
I’ve only ever been scuba-diving once before and I should probably confess that I was in a swimming pool – so it doesn’t really count. I certainly didn’t see any angelfish and, even if I had done, I wouldn’t have known that they were angelfish. Now, however, I can tell you the difference between 1200 different species of reef fauna. If you want to know, for example, how to distinguish all the species of grouper from one another, or just the difference between parrotfish and pipefish, you really can’t go far wrong with this book. It’s certainly on my itinerary, just above a waterproof housing for my camera. Right then, I’m off to talk to the boss about getting that advance on my wages…
Over the past twenty-five years have professionally reviewed about 70 different books on the marine aquarium hobby and/or those creatures that interest marine hobbyists. In fact, many of these reviews are posted on my website, saltcorner.com. As a hobbyist and past diver, I can honestly say that none of those books had the extent of the natural habitat info, as does ‘a diver’s guide to Reef Life’ or such an extensive array of excellent color photographs depicting those animals.
If you’re a diver or marine hobbyist, or both, this book should be considered a ‘must have.’
Bob Goemans
Thanks for your reply Bob.
I’m glad you rated this book as highly as I did. I read your home-page review as well, it was good to hear the opinions of somebody with genuine diving experience and I’m glad that they were so overwhelmingly positive.
Charlie
Great Blog
“A Diver’s Guide to Reef Life” is another triumph from Andrea and Antonella Ferrari. Those already familiar with their 2003 publication: “Underwater Malaysia – Macrolife”, will know the quality to expect. This earlier book actually covered a much wider region than just Malaysia, describing in detail some 600 Indo-Pacific species. The new book is a wonderful addition adressing a full range of 1200 species worldwide. Although it certainly functions as an excellent guide it also features first class photography and a really informative and articulate text. This makes it a delight to browse and with its broad coverage provides a fascinating global perspective. As a keen underwater photographer for nearly 30 years, I have seen a lot of books on marine life of variable use and quality. These two by the Ferraris, I can unreservedly recommend.