Praise for the first edition: "More than a picture book ... Hoyt's elegant writing provides both the historical background for deep-sea exploration and an ecological perspective on life in the ocean's depths." --American Scientist "A magnificent bestiary ... and a reminder of how little we actually know about the seas surrounding us." --Popular Science Winner, Outstanding Nonfiction Book of the Year --American Society of Journalists and Authors, Inc., New York In this updated third edition of Creatures of the Deep , award-winning nature and science writer Erich Hoyt gives readers a glimpse of the amazing variety of creatures found in the deepest parts of the ocean. Weaving together details from the latest scientific research about sharks, giant squid, dragonfish, huge tube worms, clams and tiny microbes of the deep-sea vents, Hoyt embarks on a magical journey roaming across the abyssal plains and descending into deep-sea trenches more than 20,000 feet down. Hoyt unravels the complex predator-prey relationships, from "killer" copepods to battles between giant squid and sperm whales, presenting compelling portraits of animals that are superbly adapted denizens of a dark high-pressure world. There are life forms, independent of sunlight and photosynthesis, which flourish around the hot, sulfurous deep-sea vents in the magnificent rift valley of the mid-ocean ridge, the world's longest mountain range. Surviving in conditions that appear to be close to the very soup of primordial Earth, these microbes have become the basis for the latest research into Earth's origins. This book is fully illustrated with fantastic underwater imagery. A wild, fantastic journey to the bottom of the sea. Award-winning nature and science writer Erich Hoyt gives readers a glimpse of the amazing variety of creatures found in the deepest parts of the ocean. Weaving together details from the latest scientific research about sharks, giant squid, dragonfish, huge tube worms, clams and tiny microbes of the deep-sea vents, the author embarks on a magical journey roaming across the abyssal plains and descending into deep-sea trenches more than 20,000 feet down below the surface of the sea. -- Martin Lea ― Bridport News Published On: 2022-01-16 [Review of previous edition:] Some of these [creatures] could have doubled as imagined horrors lurking in David Lynch's mind. Frightening fish that are 90 per cent jaws; a leering, cyclopean--seeming sea cucumber; and a sentient tube. ― Globe and Mail Published On: 2014-12-06 [Review of previous edition:] Hoyt unravels the complex predator-prey relationships from "killer" copepods to battles among giant squids and sperm whales, presenting compelling portraits of animals that are superbly adapted denizen of a dark high-pressure world. ― Newsletter of the National Association of Science Writers [UK] Published On: 2002-01-01 [Review of previous edition:] A brisk history of deep sea research ... as engagingly descriptive as he is instructive, Hoyt takes readers on an extensive tour through the underwater zones ... Teen science buffs will enjoy the photographs and Hoyt's animation and clarity. -- Donna Seaman ― Booklist Published On: 2001-12-01 [Review of previous edition:] Erich Hoyt, an award-winning science writer, gives readers an amazing tour of the ocean world through an underwater camera in this fascinating book. He examines former and current sea monsters which dwell at various depths of the ocean. His purpose is to dispel misconceptions and turn these monsters into animals worthy of humans' respect, patient curiosity and admiration. This book has several strengths: the text provides a wealth of interesting information; the colour photographs are no less than fabulous, affording readers a glimpse into the murky ocean world; and, perhaps, most important of all, Hoyt's obvious passion for the ocean and the myriad life forms it harbors comes through loud and clear. Highly Recommended. -- Gail Hamilton ― Canadian Materials Published On: 2002-03-01 [Review of previous edition:] Combines dramatic photographs with extraordinary tales of undersea life. ― Publishers Weekly Published On: 2001-10-01 [Review of previous edition:] Creatures of the Deep separates monster fact from fiction, with nature writer Erich Hoyt plunging to the depths of the world's oceans in search of the ogres. -- Paul Allen ― Geographical [UK] Published On: 2002-03-01 [Review of previous edition:] A bevy of interesting creatures ... The book benefits tremendously from vivid color photographs of the featured creatures. ― Science News Published On: 2001-09-22 [Review of previous edition:] Hoyt ... shares his enthusiasm for and knowledge about the extraordinary creatures of the deep sea ...[The book has a] knowledgeable and accessible approach to marine life and high quality photography. -- Mary Nickum ― Library Journal Published On: 2001-12-01 [Review of previous edition:] Accompanied by stunning photo