Lobster (Animal)

I really enjoyed this book. It is really well written; informative without being too academic. I enjoyed the author's voice and experiences as much as the information, and the images are nicely printed and laid out. It was such an enjoyable quick read that I ended up getting three more to give as gifts.

To be honest, I don't actually care about lobsters...but I am glad someone does.

As a former scientist, I was involved in an ongoing debate with a friend who teaches literature. We debated the value of literature compared to science. To me the science part was obvious - its how we understand our world, how we improve it, how we define our place in it. All very practical. But what really is the "value" of literature? Aside from an entertaining story, what do Tom Sawyer, Gone with the Wind, or Moby Dick really have to offer us? His answer: a reflection of our own life. That would always shut me down because this is so right!My assumption when I bought Richard J. King's Lobster was that this would be a work of science - enlightening me on the form and functions of the lobster - which it absolutely is. My background is in marine biology and I found plenty here that I had never known about the lobster - from their migratory patterns to the structure of their eye, to the many other species of lobsters worldwide. Living in New England, its easy to assume that the Homarus americanus you get at the Red Lobster is the only type of lobster out there.But King does so much more than just give us the (admittedly very interesting) science of the lobster. He has created more of a work of literature here. He holds us in suspense as he intermingles antecdotes about lobster biology while we await the dissection of a live lobster. He expands our idea of "lobster as food" with tales of 8ft "leviathan lobsters" from the 1st century, accounts of the lobster in art, cultural festivals, even contemporary cinema.As a father I found myself looking forward to sharing a first lobster with my kids. After reading King's book, I am inspired to not only revel in the flavor of this delicacy, but to share with them all my new found fascinating facts about these creepy crustaceans. King's lobster not only entertained, but it left me inspired and reflective. What else can you ask for from a great work of literature...or science!

Five pages into this book and I was hooked (or should I say trapped?) King easily weaves the natural history, biology and pop culture of the lobster with his own experience in this engaging read. I particularly enjoyed the variety of photos and illustrations, and the depiction of the lobster in popular movies. Who knew these "bugs" could be so interesting?

I loved the interdisciplinary approach to this book. It is very intelligent and well-written while at the same time being very accessible. King's depiction of the lobster in multiple genres is fascinating! Truly fun and engaging.

Was looking for a book just about lobsters, not about eating them. This is the nearest I could get although it still covers the lobster trade. I'll keep looking.

An excellent short introduction to the biology of the lobster as well as the history and structure of the lobster fisheries of the world and changing cultural perceptions. Richly illustrated.