Shells: A Natural and Cultural History
by Fabio Moretzsohn
At first glance, one may wonder why a book that concerns itself with a diversity of molluscan topics and heavy on anthropological uses would have any utility to the average paleontologist. But then the best paleobiologists I have had the pleasure to know take wonder in knowing every last aspect of their favorite subject matter. Shells: A Natural and Cultural History by the late Fabio Moretzsohn (1964-2020) is a lovely book and a good companion to his larger volume The Book of Shells: A Life-Size Guide to Identifying and Classifying Six Hundred Seashells (M. G. Harasewych & Fabio Morerzsohn, University of Chicago Press, 2010).
Shells begins with a brief introduction to Molluscs including their paleontological record. Humanity’s long relationship and diversity of uses of these creatures is described next. Religious aspects such as the importance of the St. James Scallop to the Camino de Santago for example are discussed, followed by a chapter on the use of shells as currency. Imagine going for a walk on the beach to pick up money when you need it!
This book takes a deep dive into Cowries, followed by another deep dive into the iridescent beauty of Pearls. Moretzsohn describes how the spiraling molluscan architecture has long inspired artistic expression, including the use of seashells in modern cinema. Molluscan impacts on human health ranging from Vibrio poisoning and apocryphal tales of giant clams trapping divers underwater with fatal results, to traditional and modern medical uses are touched upon. This includes the use of a Conus venom derivative as a treatment for severe chronic pain.
The final chapter discusses the plight of Mollusca in our rapidly changing world. Footnoted and general references, lists of conchological organizations, large repositories of collections and a decent index come at the end. The book includes a well-curated collection of molluscan photographs and artwork. Visually this volume would delight any bookshelf.
Shells: A Natural and Cultural History. Fabio Moretzsohn, Reaktion Books, London 2023. ISBN 978 1 78914 713 1