The Ray Society was founded by George Johnston in 1844 to honour the name of John Ray (1628-1705), one of the most eminent and influential naturalists of his time. Ray published works on birds, mammals, fish, insects and plants, bringing order to the chaotic mass of names in use by contemporary naturalists.
The Ray Society is not about John Ray himself but exists to publish books on natural history with special, but not exclusive reference to the flora and fauna of the British Isles. To date, 178 volumes have been published.
This volume is now available to buy in the Zoology section of publictions.
See specimen pages 36-37, 64-65,186-187, 282-283
Philippe Bouchet a leading malacologist based at the Natural History Museum in Paris ('Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Universites, Paris).
"I have had your book in my hands since yesterday. It is truly magnificent. I like the lay out and the illustrations are fantastic (as usual; but having so many of them in one book makes the whole thing admirable). You must be pleased, and justifiably proud. Bravo !"
Paul Valentich-Scott, Curator Emeritus of Malacology, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.
"This is amongst the best books on bivalves. It is spectacular. The art program is excellent with many wonderful photographs and illustrations depicting lucinid features and characteristics. If bivalves can be sexy, this book definitely highlights that attribute. The descriptions of subfamilies and genera are clear and concise and should easily be used even by those not dedicated to bivalve taxonomy. This book will be seen as the pivotal work on this group for decades to come."
Ray Society volumes are available to members at very reduced prices. Concessionary sales, limited to one per member are usually about half the retail price. Further sales to members are 20% off the retail price. There is a standard charge of £9 p&p per order on all sales.
Membership costs £10 per year and entitles members to purchase a copy of each volume at the members' concessionary price. Other volumes are available at 20% discount. Special offers, for members only, appear on the web site several times a year. Please note that subscriptions are due for renewal on 1st January 2024. You will not be able to access members prices unless your subscription is up to date!