In Spineless, acclaimed photographer Susan Middleton explores the mysterious and surprising world of marine invertebrates, creatures without backbones. Invertebrates represent more than 98 percent of the known animal species in the ocean and they are the foundation of all life on Earth. They are also astonishingly diverse in their shapes, patterns, textures and colours. Alternately colourful, quirky, spindly, spiky, sticky, stretchy, squishy, squirmy, prickly, bumpy, bubbly and fluttery, the invertebrates appear almost surreal in their abstract forms. Middleton’s book is the result of seven years of painstaking fieldwork across the Pacific Ocean, using photographic techniques that she developed to portray these often-fragile creatures. She also contributes short essays on the place of marine invertebrates in the tree of life; their many forms; and their lives in the ocean. There are also profiles of each species illustrated.

"A gorgeous, light-drenched book that treats the senses. In one exquisitely-crafted portrait after another, accompanied by stirring prose, Middleton reminds us that we share the planet with equally fascinating neighbors, some of whom just happen to live beneath the waves." - Diane Ackerman, Author of The Human Age

"“Susan Middleton, whose brilliant photography of wildlife is unexcelled, has brought to life and intimacy the small creatures who make up the foundation of animal life in marine waters.”" - Edward O. Wilson, University Research Professor Emeritus, Harvard University

"“This is a wonderful tribute to the astonishingly diverse, beautiful, and urgently important creatures who truly rule the world.”" - Sylvia A. Earle, Explorer in Residence at National Geographic, Founder of Mission Blue

"“Gorgeous portraits.”" - Smithsonian.com

"“The marine invertebrates in her photographs are such beautiful, ethereal, otherworldly creatures, they almost appear to float atop the pages.”" - Entertainment Weekly

"“Ravishing . . . rekindles a certain sense of wonder from childhood.”" - New York Times

"“Each image is rendered in exquisite detail. . . . As pure art it is a celebration for the eyes. As a tribute to nature’s inventiveness, it is an inspiration for the soul.”" - Natural History Magazine

"“Nothing short of spectacular.”" - BookPage

"“Middleton is a gifted photographer.”" - Seattle Times

"“There is nothing in this book that does not inspire awe and delight. Dive in!”" - Wall Street Journal