One of Publishers Weekly's Best Books of 1998, and acclaimed as "a sparkling work of natural history. . . charming, grandly entertaining." The most mysterious and elusive of all sea creatures, the giant squid--at least sixty feet long and weighing nearly a ton--is also one of the largest. Yet for all its magnificent size and threatening undersea presence, Architeuthis has remained a mystery. Until now. In this marvelous and beautifully illustrated book, marine biologist, explorer, and artist Richard Ellis presents all that is known about the giant squid. Delving into myth, literature, popular culture, and science, he brings readers face to face with this remarkable creature. He also provides a thorough, compelling study of what is known and what is still to be discovered about this exotic animal that has never been studied alive. Interweaving his engrossing narrative with a wealth of fascinating illustrations and photographs, Ellis gives us the first comprehensive history of the only living creature that can truly be called a "sea monster."* A Main Selection of the Newbridge Natural Science Book Club"High-grade intellectual entertainment." --The Washington Post Book World"Richard Ellis uses his exceptional gifts in images and words to evoke the wonder and mystery of the sea. The giant squid still reigns in that part of nature beyond human reach."--E. O. Wilson