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The Eloquence of the Sardine

The Secret Life of Fish & Other Underwater Mysteries
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( 1,472 ratings, 269 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Eloquence of the Sardine by Bill Francois explores the wonders of the underwater world from the perspective of a physicist-turned-marine scientist. It is a fascinating journey into the behaviour, communication, and mysteries of various sea creatures, blending scientific insights with captivating storytelling.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you love fascinating tales about marine life and appreciate a blend of thoughtful science with engaging storytelling. The author's passion for the ocean's mysteries and his ability to convey the wonders of underwater creatures will captivate your interest in the natural world.

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Drawing on history, myth and legend, but always grounded in science, The Eloquence of the Sardine will change the way you think about the sea in the most poetic of ways.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
Humans have identified just a fraction of the 2.2 million species living in the sea. Roughly 91% of all marine species remain unknown: myths still to be written, discoveries still to be made, blank pages with room to dream . . .

As a small boy, Bill François was frightened of deep water. Until a chance encounter with the elusive sardine set him on course for a life in marine science: a mission to better understand, and preserve, the underwater world, to find his place in that ecosystem and learn how to converse harmoniously with the ocean.

In a series of exquisitely rendered vignettes of marine life, François invites us on a whistle-stop global tour to reveal the mysteries of the sea, beginning with the simple eloquence of the sardine. He unpicks the sound of the sea - an underwater symphony orchestra voiced by a choir of fish - and deciphers the latest scientific discoveries on the immunity of coral and the changing gender of wrasses. We visit the depths of underwater Paris as François delves into the mysterious world of the eel and explore an extraordinary three-generational friendship between humans and killer whales, and the role a shoal of herrings played in Cold War tensions.

Throughout, François effortlessly brings the inner workings of fish to life - their language, their emotions, their societal rituals. He also makes a case for why we should look to the sea for inspiration for improving society and investigates the shocking journey from sea to plate.

Drawing on history, myth and legend, but always grounded in science, The Eloquence of the Sardine will change the way you think about the sea in the most poetic of ways.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Eloquence of the Sardine by Bill Francois is praised for its illuminating and conversational tone. The book blends storytelling, science, and humour effectively, sharing a passionate and engaging exploration of marine life. Critics highlight the author's infectious enthusiasm and the enlightening dive into the mysteries of the ocean.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781472134059

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 17 August 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Constable

Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 190g

Pages: 208

About the Author

Bill Fran ois is a physicist passionate about the marine world. He studied at the ENS school in Paris and then devoted himself to research on hydrodynamics. The eloquence contests he won, like the Le Grand Oral on France 2, propelled him to become passionate about his other world: that of words. He mixes these universes to relay the importance of protecting our oceans.

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