When we comb the beach for shells we seldom consider the creatures that once lived inside them. This dazzling collection of specially commissioned photographs opens our eyes to the variety complexity and beauty of shells and their inhabitants.This fascinating book reveals the variety of subjects that can be called shell and looks in detail at the unusual animals that live within them - from limpets to sea urchins from crabs to terrapins. It examines the habitats where shells can be found and shows us shell fossils from millions of years ago. Several of the specimens featured were photographed alive others come from specialist museum collections and are seen here for the first time; all are reproduced with such clarity of detail that they give us a new insight into the strange and wonderful world of shells.Shell is an exceptionally clear and informative visual guide. It presents a fascinating insight into these mysterious creatures into their past and present and their everlasting appeal.