Seashells have been the most coveted and collected of nature's creations since the dawn of humanity. They were money before coins, jewelry before gems, art before canvas.

In *The Sound of the Sea*, environmental author Cynthia Barnett explores our connection with seashells and the mollusks that create them. She traces the history of iconic seashells from the shell-rich cities of North America to the Maldives and Ghana, revealing surprising stories like the origin of Shell Oil as a family business.

Barnett highlights what shells tell scientists about our warming oceans and discusses the sounds of early shell trumpets, the evolution of spines and spires, and modern carbon capture inspired by shells. Ultimately, she emphasizes the need to listen to nature’s wisdom and act on the lessons seashells teach about caring for each other and our world.