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

About this book

Originally published in hardback in 2011.

The oceans are perhaps the last remaining source of profound mystery and discovery on Earth, and are as such of perennial fascination. Kraken introduces one of the most charismatic, monstrous, enigmatic, and curious inhabitants – the squid, which has supplanted the whale as the sea creature that now obsesses people's imaginations. The pages take the reader on a wild narrative ride through the world of squid science and adventure, along the way addressing some riddles about how the human brain works, what intelligence is, and what monsters lie in the deep.

In addition to squid, both giant and otherwise, Kraken examines the equally enthralling other cephalopod species, the octopus and cuttlefish, and explores their otherworldly camouflage and bioluminescent abilities. Like Mary Roach, Mark Kurlanksy, and Susan Orlean, Wendy Williams weaves a rich narrative tapestry around her subject, drawing powerfully on the passions and discoveries of scientists, fisherman, and squid enthusiasts around the world.

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Biography

Wendy Williams is a journalist and author. She has written for the Boston Globe, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and the Christian Science Monitor, among other publications. She is also the author of several books, including the New York Times bestseller, The Horse, which was also chosen by the Wall Street Journal as a 2015 Best Book of The Year and won a Nautilus Book Award.