Large octavo with green printed pictorial boards. First editions quite scarce, especially in this condition.
 
An account of the habits and habitats of some five hundred of the common, conspicuous seashore invertebrates of the Pacific Coast between Sitka, Alaska, and northern Mexico. Black and white photos reproduced throughout. In addition to his scientific and environmental accomplishments, Ricketts is known for his deep friendship with John Steinbeck. They drank, got entangled with the same women, were in business together, and provided one another with boundless (literary, scientific, and philosophical) inspiration. A near fine copy of this Californiana mainstay, also an important title in the history of twentieth century American nature writing.