Scissurellidae Headquarters

Geiger, D. L., October 30, 2012.

Monograph of the Little Slit-Shells.
Volume 1: Introduction, Scissurellidae.
Volume 2: Anatomidae, Larocheidae, Depressizonidae, Sutilizonidae, Temnocinclidae.
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.

1291 pages, 1042 figures, 5 color plates (5 color printing), 11 identification cards, >900 references, 17 new species described. Attractive pricing ($80 +S&H) thanks to sponsor.
Download pdf order form

To the right, the cover designs:
Volume 1 | Volume 2 | Box

What the experts are saying (prepublication):

"I think you are setting a new standard for taxonomic monographs!"
Prof. Dr. Carole S. Hickman, University of California, Berkeley.

"... I am already very impressed! ... I must say that the amount of information that you have managed to include is simply astonishing ... The MS is incredibly impressive ..."
Prof. Dr. Emilio Garcia, University of Louisiana, Lafayette.

"I've only had a brief look, but your monograph is a tremendous accomplishment, and beautifully presented."
Colin Redfern, author Bahamian Seashells.

Reviews

Rolán, E. 2013. The Festivus 45(2): 15–16. pdf
Some excerpts:
... the only diminutive concept in his impressive two-volume production is the size of the specimens he has studied; all else is gargantuan.
In spite of the superlatives I have used, I still feel like I have not done justice to this publication.
That is why I believe that, besides its intended purpose and its obvious use as a reference for marine biodiversity professionals, the numerous, exquisite images, the attention to details, and the scope of the work will make this publication very attractive to those who search for beauty in nature and for a better understanding of Mollusca in particular and of life on earth in general.

Micali, P. 2013. Notiziario S.I.M. 30(1): 14–15 [in Italian]. pdf
Some excerpts:
The author already well known for his studies on Haliotidae ... producing a monumental monographic study.
A study so extensive and in-depth is a milestone

Richling, I. 2013. Club Conchylia Mitteilungen 20: 52–53 [in German]. pdf.
Some excerpts:
… a treatment that deserves the word “comprehensive” in every respect.
… the thumbnail identification surveys, which are even added as loose cards and simplify a quick determination immensely.
… high quality scanning electron microscope images ... the high technical demands of the author are more than obvious.
This work has nothing to do with dusty monograph … a successful example of an “optimal” treatment of a group.
The price of 80 US$ one can rather understand as symbolic for such a gigantic work.

Some reactions ...

"The very weighty box containing your wonderful monograph of the little slit shells has arrived. First of all, congratulations on a monumental monographic work! ... I especially appreciate the combination of rigorous scholarship and aesthetics. As always, the tangible pleasure of holding a book and turning real pages is intimately connected in the wiring of my brain with seeing, thinking, and learning. Of course I "knew" already from my computer screen how it was going to look, but now it has come to real life!" Prof. Dr. Carole S. Hickman, University of California, Berkeley.

"The two volumes are huge and surprising. ... Your beautiful figures are extremely useful, and I like your format showing all specimens from three different angles. With your SEM images readers can correctly understand identification of species of this confusing group. Images of protoconchs and radulae and re-illustration of original literature are also important. What I like in your monograph is that chresonymy and synonym are separated. It is essential for taxonomy of many confused species. You are the first who accomplished the complete world-wide revision of these difficult microgastropod families. This is obviously a monumental publication in malacology of the 21st century. I will introduce your work to all Japanese malacologists as the most excellent example of taxonomic revision." Prof. Dr. Takenori Sasaki, University of Tokyo.

"Daniel Geiger's two volume book is one of the most impressive malacological publications I have seen for many years. The only "criticism" I can find is that it sets a standard that very few will be able to live up to. And I love the practical thumbnail identification sheets included in both volumes." Tom Schiøette, Natural History Museum of Denmark; posted on MOLLUSCA listserver Feb. 28, 2013.

"It is indeed a monumental work that will probably never need to be rewritten … updated perhaps periodically but never redone." Lindsey Groves, collections manager malacology, Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History.

"What a monumental and beautifully done publication! It would have taken someone else several lifetimes of hard work to execute such a magnificent job." Prof. Dr. Emilio Garcia, University of Louisiana, Lafayette.

"I cannot think of a better modern taxonomic study of a large number of closely related Recent and fossil world marine mollusk species ! Congratulations !" Dr. Robert Robertson, Emeritus Curator, Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia.

"It most certainly is an amazing piece of work!" Dr. Adam Baldinger, Museum of Comparative Zoology.

"diese Tage ist das Jahrhundertwerk eingetroffen ... Ich gratuliere zu dieser überragenden Monographie" [These days the work of the century has arrived ... I congratulate to this stand-out monograph] Dr. Ronald Janssen, Senckenberg Museum, Frankfurt.

"I was delighted to receive the copy of your 'Little Slit Shell' monograph yesterday. WOW, what a wonderful contribution and what a huge amount of work – congratulations on a magnificent book." Dr. Dai Herbert, Natal Museum, Pietermaritzburg.

"... gerade komme ich an meinen Arbeitsplatz und finde Deine Monographie vor- was für ein Wahnsinns-Werk. ... Ich glaube besser kann man so etwas gar nicht machen!!!!!" [I just return to my desk and find your monograph - what an insane work. ... I believe one cannot do it any better!!!!!] Enrico Schwabe, Zoologische Staatssammlung, Munich.

"Just a quick note to thank you very much for your magnificent monograph of "the little slit shells". It is a marvellous achievement ..." Dr. Alan Beu, GNS Science, Lower Hutt, New Zealand.

"I just received your absolutely stunning scissurelid monograph. It is quite breathtaking." Dr. Julia Sigwart, Queen's University Marine Laboratory, Portaferry, Northern Ireland.

"Herzlichen Dank für Dein monumentales Werk - ich bin wirklich froh, dass ich es habe!" [Thanks for your monumental work - I am really glad that I have it!] Dr. Alex Nützel, Bavarian State Collection, Munich.

"Thanks so much for sending the copy of your fabulous book on the little slit shells. You outdid yourself now, raising the bar really high ... Congratulations!" Dr. José Leal, The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum.

"As everyone else before me has said, it is indeed a set of beautiful books, nice lay out, nice printing, without saving on space or number of illustrations or lists of material examined." Dr. Philippe Bouchet, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris.

"I am sorry to be so late in thanking you for your beautiful and heavy contribution to the knowledge of these little slit bearers. Über so viel vorzügliche und vollzogene Arbeit kann man ja nur die Hände über dem Kopf zusammenschlagen und in Neid erstarren. Aber echt Superarbeit, ... " [About so much excellent and completed work on can do nothing but to throw one's hand up in disbelief and be struck by envy. But really superb work ...] Prof. Dr. Klaus Bandel, University of Hamburg.