One of the most comprehensive, authoritative and spectacular productions ever given to a group of marine organisms. A three volume set with over 3300 underwater photographs in color. Over 900 distribution maps. 450 pages per volume.

Encyclopedic information:

– One in ten species is new to science. There is a new family and several new genera. This book is the outcome of comprehensive taxonomic revisions of all reef-building corals.
– Non-technical summaries of the distinguishing characters of all species, genera and families.
– Information about the colours, habitats and abundances of all species.
– References to taxonomic detail and regional field guides.
– Chapters on “What are species?”, evolution, biogeography, the fossil record, coral reefs, the structure of corals, reproduction and dispersal.

Edition: 2000