Horseshoe Crab: Biography of a Survivor by Anthony D. Fredericks (2012-05-22) Paperback – January 1, 1870

How could a practicing Buddhist, a secret bio-industrial laboratory, and the Lone Ranger belong together in a book called, Horseshoe Crab: Biography of a Survivor? It would only work in the hands of a gifted storyteller like Anthony Fredericks. Author of over 125 books for children and adults, Fredericks deftly spins a 445-million-year tale of a ten-eyed, blue-blooded living fossil--and the fascinating people who love, loathe, study, and fight to protect it. The writer's curiosity is palpable on every page and in every encounter with researchers, educators, and other experts determined to tease out more horseshoe crab secrets. Like all the best science books, Horseshoe Crab ponders more questions than it can fully answer: How have crabs survived so long? What roles do they play in shorebird migration and in the underwater environment? What can we learn about horseshoe crabs that may improve human health and the functioning of ecological communities? But the most important question Fredericks poses--Why should we care about these ancient and oft-ignored animals?--is answered convincingly again and again for anyone who takes the time to read this fascinating and significant book.

I started watching horseshoe crabs on Delaware Bay 40 years ago, and reading everything available about them- there wasn't much! Now Tony Fredricks has written THE book I've waited for- everything in one place about the crabs. The breadth of research and readability mixed with Tony's wry sense of humor keeps one engaged like a novel. I learned why the crabs do what they do and why. Their blood is among the most expensive fluids on the planet and some of our medical science is currently possible because the crabs are bled and then released. They are experiencing extreme habitat pressure and you can learn how to help them survive. The Spring mating season on the Bay beaches is one of the grand natural spectacles in the world. Tony has put all of this and more in one book, and you should read it before you go to the beaches of Delaware Bay and see it for yourself. (Total transparency- Tony gathered some of his material at our beach in southern NJ)J. Tibbetts

Who knew there was so much to know about such a simple creature? I would never have guessed the eggs were so important in the long-distance migration of birds, for example. It seems everything I thought I knew about this animal was based on other peoples' guesses. The book is a vote for the scientific method. I am glad this book was recommended to me, and if you are a non-biologist with interest in the creatures around you, I would highly recommend this to you.

I just finished reading Horseshoe Crab, Biography Of A Survivor. It was SO GOOD. I had wanted to learn about these amazing animals, so I ordered a copy of the book. I never expected it to be so thoughtful, interesting, and funny - but it was! I did learn so much more about the horseshoe crab, but I also had a lot of fun reading the book. Besides this, I was challenged to think more about connections between these animals and humans and the world. Loved the experience.

I picked up this book as someone interested in how humans relate to other species in our ecosystems. Immediately, I was deeply impressed with Fredericks' humor, vast knowledge of history, biology, biomedical sciences, geography and socialization all related to the Limulus. Through each chapter, I learned far more than how the horseshoe crab lives and dies -- but also how their lives are so deeply consequential for human beings and our habitats. Highly recommend this book and its wonderful use of images, charts, tables, and personal ancedotes to bring to life the marvelous creature.

I was pretty disappointed in this book. While you do learn plenty about horseshoe crabs, I really didn't like the author's writing style and I often got stuck on the attempted tie-ins to old movies. Halfway through I put it back on my shelf and read other books for a few weeks before finally finishing it. The book includes a number of black-and-white photos, a diagram of horseshoe crab external anatomy, a bibliography, an appendix with a timeline, and an index. "Key facts" are spread throughout the book, but most of them are pretty useless. The cover art is at least pretty nice.

Not quite done, but very informative and written in a easy, fun style that takes scientific material and makes it palatable and fun to read. I have liked Horseshoe Crabs since I was a few years old and knew of their medical uses. I however did not know how interesting they are overall. Great read if they are of interest to you. I will be on the net crab count in DE next Spring.

Excellent biology and natural history, well written and understandable for the nonacademic reader. Fabulous.

This is a well written and entertaining book for anyone interested in learning more about Horseshoe crabs. I read it in one sitting and then donated it to our public library.