Review: Monarchs of the Sea: The Extraordinary 500-Million-Year History of Cephalopods

Monarchs of the Sea: The Extraordinary 500-Million-Year History of Cephalopods by Danna Staaf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a really great book. It took my rather glancing interest in cephalopods (produced mostly by reading Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series, though I do have a general interest in any biology, human or animal), and complete lack of interest in history (particularly such ancient history), and transformed it into a far greater interest in both cephalopods and fossilised history. I don’t think you can give much higher praise than that!

I was initially attracted to this book by the cover illustration, and it wasn’t until I read the introduction that I realised it focusses mostly on the ancient history of the cephalopods (yes, I know it’s written right there on the cover). By that time, however, Danna Staaf’s witty and informative writing (along with further beautiful illustrations) had fully captured my interest. Somehow, she has managed to compress and polish many sources of scientific knowledge (and lack thereof, in some areas) into a coherent and fascinating history of cephalopods. Her use of headings and subheadings breaks things up into chunks that are easy to digest, and there are frequent touches of humour.

The book is also crammed full of beautiful illustrations, which alongside clear and informative diagrams and photographs, bring the animals described in the text to life.

I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone with an interest in cephalopods, or in fossil history. It really brings everything together delightfully.

I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

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