Spineless

A gorgeous, light-drenched book that treats the senses. In one exquisitely-crafted portrait after another, accompanied by stirring prose, Middleton reminds us that we share the planet with equally fascinating neighbors, some of whom just happen to live beneath the waves. * Diane Ackerman, Author of The Human Age * Susan Middleton, whose brilliant photography of wildlife is unexcelled, has brought to life and intimacy the small creatures who make up the foundation of animal life in marine waters. * Edward O. Wilson, University Research Professor Emeritus, Harvard University * This is a wonderful tribute to the astonishingly diverse, beautiful, and urgently important creatures who truly rule the world. * Sylvia A. Earle, Explorer in Residence at National Geographic, Founder of Mission Blue * Gorgeous portraits. * Smithsonian.com * The marine invertebrates in her photographs are such beautiful, ethereal, otherworldly creatures, they almost appear to float atop the pages. * Entertainment Weekly * Ravishing . . . rekindles a certain sense of wonder from childhood. * New York Times * Each image is rendered in exquisite detail. . . . As pure art it is a celebration for the eyes. As a tribute to natures inventiveness, it is an inspiration for the soul. * Natural History Magazine * Nothing short of spectacular. * BookPage * Middleton is a gifted photographer. * Seattle Times * There is nothing in this book that does not inspire awe and delight. Dive in! * Wall Street Journal *

Susan Middleton is a photographer, author and lecturer specialising in portraiture of rare and endangered animals, plants, sites and cultures. She was Chair of the Department of Photography at the California Academy of Sciences for 13 years, where she currently serves as Research associate. Her books include Evidence of Evolution, Archipelago, Remains of a Rainbow, Witness and Here Today and her photographs have been shown and published throughout the world.