Ichthyo The Architecture of Fish

Originally created to preserve a record of scientific samples, the black and white X-rays of fish at the Smithsonian Institution have emerged as astonishing works of art in their own right. This stunning compendium of images-comparable to fine and delicate engravings-is drawn from the National Museum of Natural History, which holds the world's largest collection of ichthyological specimens (and which, upon the reopening of its Ocean Hall in Summer of 2008, will put these X-rays on permanent display). As mesmerizingly beautiful as they are amazingly detailed, these images reveal the hidden wonders of the creatures of the deep.

Jean-Michel Cousteau is an environmentalist and explorer.

Dr. Daniel Pauly is a noted ichthyologist.

Dr. Lynne R. Parenti curates at the Smithsonian.

Deborah Klochko is director of the Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego.

Stephanie Comer is a photo researcher.