Secrets of the Sea

Secrets of the Sea by Robert Vennell is a sensory exploration of New Zealand's marine wonders, bringing the ocean's marvels directly to the reader's imagination. Vennell, the acclaimed author of The Meaning of Trees, offers a comprehensive and intimate guidebook to the fish and shellfish native to Aotearoa. This book invites you to journey from the sunlit strands of sandy shores to the shadowy chasms of oceanic depths, where ancient creatures whisper the stories embedded in their scales and shells.

The narrative seamlessly blends science, mythology, and history, demonstrating how these aquatic beings have been integral to Maori culture and New Zealand's way of life. Vennell's eloquent prose unravels the connections between humans and the marine world, reflecting on how these intricate relationships have evolved over time. Each page invites readers to appreciate how these dynamic ecosystems influence biodiversity and cultural practices.

Secrets of the Sea is visually stunning, featuring lavish illustrations and photography that capture the beauty and diversity of the marine environment. The book's visual elements are not merely decorative; they enhance the textual narrative by offering a window into the sea's vibrant colours and delicate forms. Historical illustrations provide a glimpse into the past, while modern images reveal the contemporary splendour of the marine species that inhabit New Zealand's waters.

Critically acclaimed, this book has been shortlisted for the Ockham NZ Book Award for Best Illustrated Book of Nonfiction, heralded for its impactful storytelling and visual mastery. Jo Lucre from Wellington Regional News praises it as "a resplendent unravelling of the mysteries" of Aotearoa's waters. The New Zealand Book Awards Trust acknowledges it as "a treasury of interesting facts, beautiful photography and remarkable prose," noting it as a masterpiece that intertwines scientific insight with traditional Maori knowledge, making it both educational and breathtakingly beautiful.

Whether you are a marine enthusiast, a lover of exquisite illustrations, or a curious reader eager to learn more about the world beneath the waves, Secrets of the Sea promises to delight and inform, offering a revelatory glimpse into the oceanic wonders that lie at the heart of New Zealand's identity.