Poseidon's Steed

Its not often that the opportunity to learn 'everything about' something of interest is so thoroughly enjoyable. The usual process of indulging curiosity with some research and finding 'the' book, is usually derailed by either self serving or halting, colorless prose which, if occasionally read to the back cover, still leaves too many questions unanswered and perhaps not enough interest remaining to research them further.

Beyond the ample reward of engaging prose about the mysteries, biology, cultural history and economics(!) of seahorses, Helen Scales inteweaves engrossing explorations of the context and consequences of the various roles the seahorse has played out over history. Of these, perhaps the asides into the evolution of aquarium keeping in England and the early history of underwater photography/cinematography are the most striking, yet the remainder is by no means filler. In fact, Poseidon's Steed prompts a whole host of new tangents and questions that demand answers, which the inclusion of a species guide, endnotes and bibliography do much to encourage and sustain.