First published in 1989, Eric L. Mills's comprehensive history of biological oceanography has been praised as 'superb' (BioScience) and 'proof that history need not be dull' (The Northern Mariner). This first history of the field, which chronicles the scientific work and creativity of its chief contributors, tells a riveting story that is far from narrowly scientific and thoroughly accessible to general readers.

Mills shows how the work and ideas of the main actors are inseparable from some seemingly unrelated factors, including Prussian imperialism, agricultural...