101 - Three maritime history and marine paleontology reference books. Richard Ellis (American, 1938-2024). Sea Dragons: Predators of the Prehistoric Oceans. Lawrence, KS: University Press of Kansas, 2003. First edition, first printing. Hardcover in dust jacket. Martin Meylach. Diving to a Flash of Gold. In collaboration with Charles Whited. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1971. Stated first edition. Hardcover in dust jacket. Mendel Peterson (American, 1918-2003). History under the Sea: A Handbook for Underwater Exploration. Alexandria, VA: Published by the Author, 1973. Softcover edition. The Ellis volume is inscribed in black ink on the front free endpaper: "For P. Benchley, Who taught me everything I know about dragons Richard Ellis 2003." Largest copy: 9 1/4" H x 7 1/4" W x 1" D.

Three maritime history and marine paleontology reference books. Richard Ellis (American, 1938-2024). Sea Dragons: Predators of the Prehistoric Oceans. Lawrence, KS: University Press of Kansas, 2003. First edition, first printing. Hardcover in dust jacket. Martin Meylach. Diving to a Flash of Gold. In collaboration with Charles Whited. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1971. Stated first edition. Hardcover in dust jacket. Mendel Peterson (American, 1918-2003). History under the Sea: A Handbook for Underwater Exploration. Alexandria, VA: Published by the Author, 1973. Softcover edition. The Ellis volume is inscribed in black ink on the front free endpaper: "For P. Benchley, Who taught me everything I know about dragons Richard Ellis 2003." Largest copy: 9 1/4" H x 7 1/4" W x 1" D. The books behind the books. Peter's working library of marine biology, maritime history, underwater archaeology, exploration and shark science is where The Deep, Beast, Shark Trouble and his National Geographic articles began. He loved these books and read them thoroughly. From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940-2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation. Proceeds from the Peter Benchley Collection will benefit five ocean conservation organizations: Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, WildAid, Beneath the Waves, Blue Frontier and Environmental Defense Fund. CONDITION: Sea Dragons appears in fine condition with no visible defects (photo 4). The dust jacket for Diving to a Flash of Gold shows rubbing, creasing, and small tears to the top and bottom edges (photo 2, 3, 13). History under the Sea shows shelf wear to the cover edges and minor bumping to the corners (photo 2, 10, 13). All bindings remain firm and interior pages are clean. NOTICE TO BIDDERS: The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition. Photos are considered part of the condition report. Complete condition information is available by request, please request no later than 24 hours prior to the auction. All lots are offered and sold "as is", and Willow Auctions will not provide refunds based on condition. Timepiece movements, lighting and electrics have not been tested, and art has not been examined out of the frame unless otherwise stated.