Book excerpt: Philip's Guide to the Oceans is an illustrated guide to the world's oceans and seas. It features more than 250 photographs, maps and diagrams and a comprehensive, authoritative text. The book will be of value to all those with an interest in the 'blue planet', from the marine biology student to yachting and diving enthusiasts.The book divides into six sections:'The Oceans' provides a complete picture of the genesis and evolution of the world's oceans.'Exploration' details celebrated oceanic quests, from the earliest voyages of discovery through to the science of modern oceanography and the new international sports of yachting and diving.'Life' is a comprehensive study of the oceans' incredible diversity of flora and fauna, and their many complex interrelationships.'Resources' is an in-depth study of the worldwide distribution of oil and gas, fish and mineral resources found in the oceans.The 'Atlas' section details the shapes of the ocean basins, their patterns of circulation and their unique characteristics.The 'Encyclopedia of Marine Life' catalogues and illustrates the main families of ocean organisms and provides a comprehensive ready-reference section to ocean flora and fauna.Main map scale: