Kraken: The Curious, Exciting, and Slightly Disturbing Science of Squid

by Wendy Williams

Book Overview

From the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of The Horse comes the enthralling examination of one of the most popular and most intriguing animals in the deep blue sea.

The ocean is the last remaining source of profound mystery and discovery on Earth with 80 percent of it still largely unexplored; thus, it is of perennial fascination. In Kraken: The Curious, Exciting, and Slightly Disturbing Science...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0810984660
• ISBN13: 9780810984660
• Release Date: July 2022
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

We have more in common than we think

Early portions of the book describe technical scientific data that was off-putting to this non-scientist. Once that was established, though, it described more qualities and history of cephalopods (squid, octopuses, etc.) that was far more interesting and appealing, including an extraordinary bond between a retired scientist, Wilson Menashi, and a giant Pacific octopus (GPO), Truman, at the New England Aquarium. The author, Wendy Williams, describes the problem-solving behavior and personalities of several specific cephalopods that points to individuals with distinct patterns, preferences, and needs. Most scientists and other people who interact with these animals characterize them as highly intelligent. She also raises the limitations of accurately gauging the depth of intelligence of species so different from ours, and pursues the questions this raises in depth that I found interesting and insightful. I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 because the lengthy technical/scientific section had me wondering if I had purchased a book that lacked content that I would find interesting, but once Williams moved beyond the technical, my curiosity was rewarded.