Although the first shells that come to mind when you think of New Caledonia are the melanistic and rostrate cowries. But these islands that comprise New Caledonia and the near by islands of the Vanuatu group also support a varied and interesting assortment of con shells as well. This book, from 1981 offers a close look at some of these shells from the very common to the very rare. It is a 126 page book in both English and French 22.5 by 17.5 in size with laminated board covers. The text is on the left hand page and the facing page has full color pictures of the shells. In all there are 112 species covered but there are often several photos of the same species where thre is variation present. This is an important book for cone collectors but it is a book that is very difficult to find. This is a used copy slightly "rubbed" on the covers and the previous owner's name is on the inside cover. Over all condition is excellent.