"El Mar captures the world of the sea in all its wonder, from clear tropical waters to austere polar regions; from the turbulence of a storm to the tranquility of a coral reef; from immense expanses as seen from space to the frothy curl of a breaking wave. the book takes readers on a sumptuous visual odyssey, revealing the majesty of water as it hits cliffs, rocks, and sandy beaches, and washes over atolls and volcanic islands. Various contributors examine humankind's eternal relationship with the sea through a range of topics such as coastal villages, sailing fishing, and scientific exploration. A chapter is dedicated to the creatures of the sea--the rarely seen giants of the deep, multicolored corals, many-hued fish, and fearsome predators. the compact, unconventional design allows the book to be easily enjoyed at home or while traveling.