Encyclopedia of the Sea

Biologist Ellis's previous books (The Search for the Giant Squid, etc.) have made him America's foremost writer on marine research. His 10th is a mighty reference work, encompassing in thousands of alphabetical entries not just the fish, plants and invertebrates that populate the world's oceans, but also its geography, geology, human uses and colorful history. Ellis aims to produce both a catalogue of facts and definitions, and a volume for recreational browsers; though it won't supplant more specialized compendia, it succeeds on both counts. Those hungry for facts about the fish 'n' chips staple plaice will also learn on the same page that early bony fish--placoderms--might have grown to 30 feet long. Above these entries lies Pitcairn Island, the most isolated settlement in the world, whose fewer than 100 residents descend from the Bounty mutineers. Ellis doesn't get everything in: he's understandably strongest on biology, less comprehensive in history and the arts. There are Homer and Winslow Homer, but no Horatio Hornblower. There's aircraft carrier and Midway, Battle of, but no medieval battle of Lepanto, and no ancient battle of Actium. As for cuisine and sport, there's surfing, but no related terms--and no sushi. Data hunters might be disappointed that Ellis rarely offers references or further reading. But these complaints pale beside the great range of information Ellis has singlehandedly assembled, and the fun to be had as readers survey it. Eight pages of color paintings and 471 illustrations, all by Ellis, adorn the work. (Oct.)