Creatures of the Deep

Reviews / Votes

A wild, fantastic journey to the bottom of the sea. Award-winning nature and science writer Erich Hoyt gives readers a glimpse of the amazing variety of creatures found in the deepest parts of the ocean. Weaving together details from the latest scientific research about sharks, giant squid, dragonfish, huge tube worms, clams and tiny microbes of the deep-sea vents, the author embarks on a magical journey roaming across the abyssal plains and descending into deep-sea trenches more than 20,000 feet down below the surface of the sea. -- Martin Lea * Bridport News * [Review of previous edition:] Some of these [creatures] could have doubled as imagined horrors lurking in David Lynch's mind. Frightening fish that are 90 per cent jaws; a leering, cyclopean--seeming sea cucumber; and a sentient tube. * Globe and Mail * [Review of previous edition:] Hoyt unravels the complex predator-prey relationships from "killer" copepods to battles among giant squids and sperm whales, presenting compelling portraits of animals that are superbly adapted denizen of a dark high-pressure world. * Newsletter of the National Association of Science Writers [UK] * [Review of previous edition:] Creatures of the Deep expands and updates the prize-winning first edition of 2001. Much has happened in ocean science since then, and Erich Hoyt captures the excitement and beauty of recent advances. With lavish photos and engaging, accurate prose, he takes readers on a journey of wonder through the ocean's layers and around the planet, shedding light on extraordinary lives. The deeper you go, the less we know -- only a few hundred of the thousands of species that live in the abyss have been photographed. Hoyt's book showcases why we must do more to safeguard life in the sea. -- Callum Roberts, Professor of Marine Conservation, York University, and author The Unnatural History * BBC Wildlife Magazine * [Review of previous edition:] A brisk history of deep sea research ... as engagingly descriptive as he is instructive, Hoyt takes readers on an extensive tour through the underwater zones ... Teen science buffs will enjoy the photographs and Hoyt's animation and clarity. -- Donna Seaman * Booklist * [Review of previous edition:] Erich Hoyt, an award-winning science writer, gives readers an amazing tour of the ocean world through an underwater camera in this fascinating book. He examines former and current sea monsters which dwell at various depths of the ocean. His purpose is to dispel misconceptions and turn these monsters into animals worthy of humans' respect, patient curiosity and admiration. This book has several strengths: the text provides a wealth of interesting information; the colour photographs are no less than fabulous, affording readers a glimpse into the murky ocean world; and, perhaps, most important of all, Hoyt's obvious passion for the ocean and the myriad life forms it harbors comes through loud and clear. Highly Recommended. -- Gail Hamilton * Canadian Materials * [Review of previous edition:] Combines dramatic photographs with extraordinary tales of undersea life. * Publishers Weekly * [Review of previous edition:] Creatures of the Deep separates monster fact from fiction, with nature writer Erich Hoyt plunging to the depths of the world's oceans in search of the ogres. -- Paul Allen * Geographical [UK] * [Review of previous edition:] Erich Hoyt reminds us that humanity has been terrified and fascinated by the deepest oceans for a very long time. Until fairly recently, this was a hidden realm that inspired fantastical tales but over the past few decades our understanding of an astonishing environment has expanded in countless ways. We have grown accustomed to tales of bioluminescent fish and creatures that can live happily in the absurdly high temperatures produced by hydrothermal vents. It would, however, be a great shame if we ever took all this for granted. The intricacies of evolutionary adaptation and the sheer weirdness of some of the denizens of the deep ought to inspire wonderment. Hoyt's book, in this updated and expanded edition, is sure to snap even the most jaded nature watcher out of complacency. Hoyt takes us on a journey. We begin in a place where there is still a little light and we end up in an ocean-scape of pitch-black darkness, where the pressure per-square-inch is simply mind boggling. The pictures are stunning, the prose is clean, and you will gain a renewed sense of admiration for the scientists who are exploring this bewildering territory. One of the book's greatest strengths is that it reports back from the front lines of research. New species are discovered all the time but, as Hoyt notes, this only makes our careless stewardship of the oceans more tragic. If you are in the mood for stories about clams that live for centuries or imaginary treks along vast underwater mountain ranges then this book will hold great appeal. It offers case studies of a wide range of creatures -- from squid to whales to jellyfish -- and the images are likely to haunt both your dreams and your nightmares. There is exquisite beauty down below, but also a rich array of monsters. Hoyt brings learning and passion to the task of unveiling the most bizarre habitat on the planet. -- Jonathan Wright * Geographical Magazine * [Review of previous edition:] A bevy of interesting creatures ... The book benefits tremendously from vivid color photographs of the featured creatures. * Science News * [Review of previous edition:] Hoyt ... shares his enthusiasm for and knowledge about the extraordinary creatures of the deep sea ...[The book has a] knowledgeable and accessible approach to marine life and high quality photography. -- Mary Nickum * Library Journal * [Review of previous edition:] Accompanied by stunning photographs of little-known creatures ... the detailed but highly readable text traces a history of myths and discoveries of the oceans. * The Globe and Mail * [Review of previous edition:] More than a picture book ... Hoyt's elegant writing provides both the historical background for deep-sea exploration and an ecological perspective on life in the ocean's depths. * American Scientist * [Review of previous edition:] The most striking element ... are the more than 150 color photographs that capture everything from sea cucumbers to vampire squids in all their watery glory. -- Rachel Robb * Quill and Quire * [Review of previous edition:] The general summary of the ocean's layers, specific views of the selected "monsters," and the perspective of the life and environment interaction combine to make this book a splendid overview. The photographs, sidebars, and unique life-forms presented offer opportune ways of catching the attention of reluctant readers. -- Pam Johnson * School Library Journal * [Previous edition:] Winner, Outstanding Nonfiction Book of the Year * American Society of Journalists and Authors * [Review of previous edition:] Creatures of the Deep has the external appearance of a beautiful coffee-table book, but internally offers much more. It resembles two previous works: The Deep, edited by Clair Nouvian (2007) and Into the Deep by Karsten Schneider and Peter Batson (2008), both primarily picture books with good photography. However, Hoyt's work offers a knowledgeable narrative to accompany the excellent illustrations. In addition to its visual appeal, this work has considerable academic value. Highly Recommended. * Choice * [Review of previous edition:] The deep is a wondrous place, Hoyt tells us convincingly. It is another world, concealing mysteries locked up in mountain chains and valleys that may hold the key to how life began at all. -- Judith Isabella * Victoria Times Colonist * [Review of previous edition:] Outstanding photographs and a well-written, enthusiastic text ... a worthwhile addition to school science collections. -- Rayna Patton * VOYA [Voice of Youth Advocates] * Takes the reader on a wild, fantastic ride to the very bottom of the sea -- discovering the 500-year-old clam to the most deadly jellyfish, from orca (killer whales) to sharks engaged in real life underwater dramas -- then to rare encounters of the amazing species seemingly at the very top of the food chain, the giant squid. Enter the world of the deep if you dare. If nothing, the reader that does so will not be disappointed. Hats off to Hoyt: each of these books delivers with a punch -- the fist of true knowledge! -- Henricus Peters * Environmental Education Journal *