The Secret Life of Clams: The Mysteries and Magic of Our Favorite Shellfish [B1470]

2014 HCDJ in nice clean condition. Get up close and personal with an amazing creature that has invaded our lexicon as well as our restaurants. It breathes with tubes, it has no head or brain, it feeds through a filter, and it is the source of dozens of familiar proverbs ('happy as a clam!'). Clams, it turns out, have been worshipped (by the Moche people of ancient Peru), used as money (by the Algonquin Indians), and consumed by people for thousands of years. Yet The Secret Life of Clams is the first adult trade book to deal exclusively with this gastronomic treat that is more complex than its simple two shells might reveal. The Secret Life of Clams features compelling insights, captivating biology, wry observations, and up-to-the-minute natural history that will keep readers engaged and enthralled. Written by award-winning science author Anthony D. Fredericks, The Secret Life of Clams includes a comfortable infusion of humor, up-to-date research, fascinating individuals (scientists and laypeople alike), and the awe of a fellow explorer as he guides readers on a journey of wonder and adventure. Along with an appreciation for oceanic creatures, this is a guidebook for armchair marine biologists everywhere who seek amazing discoveries in concert with compelling narration. Includes a chapter of 'Recipes to Die For'.

From recent-ish Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "I bought this book as something easy to read and fall asleep to; however, it is so interesting I found myself staying up to read, lol. Never thought clams could be so interesting- great job writing."; "I don't care about clams at all, but the authors passion about them made this a fun and interesting read."; "Obviously a labor of love. The author loves clams more than I've ever loved anything in my life & even though I'm vegan & have never eaten a single clam I was kept engaged by the sheer magnitude of bivalve enthusiasm on display. Lots of interesting culinary history throughout as a bonus."; "Here is a reference book that reads like a novel"; "This is the ultimate read for the marine biologist, commercial diver, or oceanographer. Previous careers aside, if one merely enjoys eating clams, he or she will learn every conceivable detail about this bilvalve as it is presented with the author's witty and humorous writing style."