Smithsonian Ocean: Our Water, Our World Hardcover – October 7, 2008

I love the ocean and this book has opened my eyes to learn even more about the beautiful blue water and waves. I never really took in just how vast the ocean really is, so much more than sitting on a beach watching the waves come in and out. I've always had a healthy respect for the power of the ocean and what lies under its beautiful blue cover, but this book opens your eyes up to so much more. I love this book and will keep it forever!!

Informative and nice pictures. Was disappointed it didn't have an octopus.

This was a gift that I have not received feedback on but I perused it before giving and thought it was beautifully done and packed with information. Sorry I can't offer more.

Let's face it, the sheer gorgeousness of the pictures and layout are worth five stars alone. When this is allied with an excellent text, which is clear and crisp and not at all "dumbed down", the bargain that this book represents can no longer be denied. Thirdly, something not generally associated with the louder voices in the USA these days; social responsibility. An awareness that we are raping, plundering, polluting and destroying an environment that we have barely begun to understand. Those loud voices often espouse a God-given right to exploit the planet without fear of consequences, of pursuit of short-term gain at the expense of long-term survival of so many species, perhaps even our own. In this regard, the book's final paragraph cannot be bettered:"We are a species blessed with language and awareness, knowledge and ingenuity, and an infinite capacity for imagination. May ours be a time when we reconceived our partnership with the sea and restored its life-giving waters to health and wholeness. May ours be a time when the sea's habitats and inhabitants, wherever they may be found true sanctuary...May ours be a time remembered when we embraced the sea as it embraces us"Amen. James Smithson would be proud.

This book is really informative about our oceans and the millions of years in the past.

Smithsonian Oceans is a beautiful book in words as well as pictures. Cramer clearly explains the importance of the oceans from the beginning of life in the deep ocean to the many ways the oceans are critical to our life on land. The pictures draw you in and her words keep you there. It is a good book for all ages.

This was a purchase for a man whom it is very difficult to buy a gift he will like. With the beautiful picture and fascinating content it was a success.

Beautiful photos, just wish it were a hardcover book. Can't wait to give it to my 11 yr old for Christmas.