SCIENCES

Swordfish: A Biography of the Ocean Gladiator

by Richard Ellis
Univ. of Chicago. Apr. 2013. 272p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780226922904. $26. NAT HIST
COPY ISBN
Nature writers tread a thin line between the scientific and the easily accessible. Here, Ellis's (The Great Sperm Whale: A Natural History of the Ocean's Most Magnificent and Mysterious Creature) extensive knowledge of marine biology makes the writing more technical than most natural histories. Still, this latest work is far from dry: it's a wonderful paean to the swordfish in all its gladiatorial glory. Ellis traces how humans have feared, hunted, interacted with, and ultimately affected these massive marine creatures from swordfish swords found in 5000-year-old middens to the effects of global warming on today's swordfish populations.
VERDICT Full of scientific names and other technical terminology, this work might be a stretch for those without a biology background or seeking a fun popular science read. But for future marine biologists and those with a serious interest in the topic, this title will prove to be a wonderful introduction not only to the life-and-death struggle of Xiphias gladius but also to the deeper, more complex scientific world of the ocean.
Reviewed by Susan E. Brazer, Salisbury Univ. Lib., MA , Mar 01, 2013
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

NONFICTION

The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2024
by McKibben, Bill & Jaime Green
NONFICTION

Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan
by Halteman, Matthew C.
NONFICTION

The World Beneath: The Life and Times of Unknown Sea Creatures and Coral Reefs
by Smith, Richard
NONFICTION

Power Metal: The Race for the Resources That Will Shape the Future
by Beiser, Vince
NONFICTION

The Church of Stop Shopping and Religious Activism: Combatting Consumerism and Climate Change Through Performance
by González, George
NONFICTION

Not My Type: Automating Sexual Racism in Online Dating
by Williams, Apryl
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?