In Reefs of Time, geoscientist and writer Lisa Gardiner ventures into the fossilized past of coral reefs to illuminate the urgent questions of their future. This compelling new release from Princeton University Press arrives at a moment when the world’s coral ecosystems are teetering under the weight of climate change, pollution, and overexploitation. Gardiner’s approach is both scientific and lyrical, weaving together cutting-edge research and personal fieldwork into a narrative that is as illuminating as it is moving.

Rather than dwell solely on the devastation facing reefs today, Gardiner takes readers to the “shallow end of deep time,” ancient epochs when reefs adapted to shifting seas and temperatures. From these remnants, she distills stories of endurance and transformation. The fossil record becomes not just a window into the past but a guidebook for the path forward.

Her storytelling spans continents and millennia. Readers follow Gardiner through tropical locales, where she and fellow researchers decipher the cryptic signatures etched into coral limestone. These reef remnants, some older than the dinosaurs, hold clues about how coral communities once survived dramatic environmental upheaval and how they might do so again.

Praise for Reefs of Time reflects the resonance of Gardiner’s message. Nancy Bent of Booklist describes it as “lessons from the past [that] may help save corals for the future.” Science writer Juli Berwald calls it “an elegant, urgent, and ultimately hopeful message about why our past matters so much to our future,” while Riley Black hails it as “a delight” that blends science, history, and poetic observation.

At its core, Reefs of Time is a meditation on resilience. It reframes the story of coral reefs not as one of inevitable loss, but as one of possibility if we are willing to act, and act with knowledge. It speaks to scientists, educators, policymakers, and readers who care about life beneath the waves.

Reefs of Time will be released June 10 by Princeton University Press. It is a standout contribution to marine literature, offering clarity and hope in the face of one of our era’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Learn more or pre-order the book here: Princeton University Press: Reefs of Time

About the Author

Lisa S. Gardiner is a science writer, geoscientist, and educator. She is the author of Tales from an Uncertain World: What Other Assorted Disasters Can Teach Us about Climate Change. Her writing has appeared in leading publications such as the Atlantic, Hakai Magazine, and Scientific American.

With 50 of the most amazing dive sites and underwater experiences from around the world, Ultimate Dive Sites is the perfect companion for your next underwater adventure. These extraordinary dive sites are from around the globe for both recreational and professional divers alike.

Diving expert, photographer and submersible pilot Todd Thimios has completed more than 3500 dives and also has a degree in Marine Science. Within this book, Todd has curated a collection of the best diving experiences. This detailed guide offers insightful tips and essential information you’ll need when visiting these unique diving sites and countries.

Get up close and personal with manta rays in the Maldives, orcas in the Arctic, crocs in Cuba or even anacondas in Brazil. Prepare to be awestruck by Australia’s Rowley Shoals and the amazing Raja Ampat archipelago in Indonesia. Or brave the dark and go blackwater night diving in the Philippines.

These thrilling dive sites are rich with expansive coral reefs and diverse marine life, ensuring you will create unforgettable memories and see the world in a new way. Including sensational photography and practical content, Ultimate Dive Sites will make you fall in love with the enchanting beauty of the ocean and its incredible creatures.

More info about the book and pre-order HERE!

About The Author

Acclaimed underwater photographer and diving expert Todd Thimios has completed more than 3500 dives and sailed around the world for more than 10 years. Growing up in Queensland, Australia, the son of a keen fisherman, Todd spent most of his childhood exploring the Great Barrier Reef. At 16 he became a Dive Master and by 20 he was an Instructor. Throughout his twenties, Todd was a dive guide on Lord Howe Island, before flying to the French Riviera to work in the exclusive world of private superyachts. In the following years, Todd became one of the most sought-after dive guides for billionaires and celebrities.

With his knowledge of diving, Todd helped to niche out a job previously (and still now) unheard of, a ‘Dive Scout’. Flown ahead of guests to new destinations, weeks in advance, Todd would find, film and curate ultimate dive itineraries before guiding guests underwater, including diving with orcas in the frigid waters of the Arctic and exploring virgin reefs in the remote South Pacific. Adding to his diving skillset, Todd has also trained as a submersible pilot, allowing him to dive to depths of 1000 metres (3000 feet) with clients in their private submersibles. Todd is uniquely qualified and has brought his specialist knowledge, experience and photographic skill to present the best dive sites to be found around the world

Life finds a way to thrive in one of Earth’s most mysterious environments, as revealed by a seagoing scientist.

Sönke Johnsen’s “Into the Great Wide Ocean” provides a clear and accessible exploration of the pelagic ocean between the surface and the seafloor. Looking beyond the familiar parts of coastal ecosystems, Johnsen, a professor of biology at Duke University, focuses on the unique challenges and evolutionary adaptations of life in the open sea.

In this book, Johnsen combines scientific discourse with fascinating and narrative stories of the researchers who study this distinctive ecosystem. He explains the complexities of surviving in a three-dimensional world where food, mates, and shelter are scarce and the constant threat of predation. He accomplishes this through comprehensive descriptions and insightful analogies, making the concepts easily understandable to readers with varying levels of scientific knowledge.

Apart from the scientific contents, the book also illustrates the world of oceanic research with the personal stories of dedicated and passionate scientists who confront the challenges of conducting research in this extreme environment.

Practically, the book has a modest yet powerful conservation message. By painting a vivid picture of the ocean’s rich biodiversity and complex ecological balance, Johnsen accurately explains the importance of protecting this often-overlooked habitat, yet facing increasing threats. He reminds readers that the open ocean, though seemingly distant, is well connected to the health of our planet and the need to protect it from the expanding footprint of human influence.

Overall, the book, “Into the Great Wide Ocean,” is a worthwhile contribution to ocean literature. The author successfully connects scientific research and public comprehension, encouraging awareness of the deep sea and its inhabitants. With a compelling narrative style and insightful observations, Johnsen’s book is worth the space on your shelf.

About The Author

Sönke Johnsen is a professor of biology at Duke University. He is the author of The Optics of Life: A Biologist’s Guide to Light in Nature and the coauthor of Visual Ecology (both Princeton). Marlin Peterson, who created original illustrations for this book, is an illustrator and muralist who teaches and illustrates in many styles and media. He also specializes in giant optical illusions such as his harvestmen mural below the Space Needle in Seattle, and his full portfolio can be found at marlinpeterson.com.