The Secret Life of Lobsters

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“Lobster is served three ways in this fascinating book: by fisherman, scientist and the crustaceans themselves. . . . Corson, who worked aboard commercial lobster boats for two years, weaves together these three worlds. The human worlds are surely interesting; but they can’t top the lobster life on the ocean floor.”  — Washington PostIn this intimate portrait of an island lobstering community and an eccentric band of renegade biologists, journalist Trevor Corson escorts the reader onto the slippery decks of fishing boats, through danger-filled scuba dives, and deep into the churning currents of the Gulf of Maine to learn about the secret undersea lives of lobsters.

This P.S. edition features an extra 16 pages of insights into the book, including author interviews, recommended reading, and more.

“In The Secret Life of Lobsters, Trevor Corson opens a portal onto a fascinating underwater world. Fishermen, gourmets, and environmentalists alike take note — the lobster is a strange and quirky creature, and proof positive that the ocean can be harvested responsibly. One source—comprehensive—Lobster 101!” “The Secret Life of Lobsters is so full of fun and fascination that you’ll be almost embarrassed to think that for all these years all you ever knew about lobsters was how they taste. Lobsters do so many remarkable things that you just might conclude that the differences between people and lobsters are only skin deep. Prepare to awe your friends as you regale them with details from the depths—this book will make you seem a genius at your next summer lawn party.” “I believe that cooking is not only a craft but also a sacred art. When we choose to kill and cook a lobster, it can be a way of paying homage to the animal’s life. In The Secret Life of Lobsters, Trevor Corson teaches us that the lobster has its own mysterious habits, sensitivity, and sensibilities, and that it deserves our respect when we bring it to our table.” “Charmingly written, full of fascinating detail: a delight.” “[An] intriguing and entertaining book….Fascinating, especially when [Corson] juxtaposes human behavior and descriptions of the social life of lobsters.” “Corson has skillfully interwoven the biological and personal aspects of these much loved, tasty creatures into an informative and fascinating book.” “Lobster is served three ways in this fascinating book: by fisherman, scientist and the crustaceans themselves. . . . Corson, who worked aboard commercial lobster boats for two years, weaves together these three worlds. The human worlds are surely interesting; but they can’t top the lobster life on the ocean floor.” “Ultimately, this investigation into society, science and sustainability leaves a complex, satisfying taste in your mouth” “I can highly recommend this book as one of the best things you can enjoy without melted butter.” “An affectionate account of the relationship between Homarus americanus, its rocky habitat, and the men and women who brave long days on temperamental seas to earn a livelihood. This is a love story.” “[Corson] immediately captures and holds the reader’s attention as he explains how lobsters live in their coastal environment—as learned by scientists, as seen by himself.” “A fascinating story, blending science, politics and history…the writing is vivid.” “Corson’s readable portrait braids scientific history with a fisherman’s view of a lobstering town, keeping one foot in the lab, one on the deck, and the other eight in the mysterious deep.” “What a great book! This is a charming, funny, warm and informative look at Maine lobsters. . . . Treat yourself to this one—you won’t be sorry.” “By turns astonishing and humorous…The Secret Life of Lobsters is a rollicking oceanic odyssey punctuated by salt spray, melted butter, and predators lurking in the murky depths.” “Corson serves up a savory blend of history and science along with a satisfying course of lobster and human behavior.” “This book has something for everyone, from behavioral neuroscientists to those interested in the tensions between people who catch lobsters and people who want to preserve their habitat. . . . In the tradition of John McPhee. . . [Corson] seamlessly interweaves tales of lobster biology and ecology with ocean geology and geography, alternating these with sketches of lobstermen and scientists whose livelihoods and careers depend on understanding Homarius americanus.”

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