"There has never been a more critical time for the Great Barrier Reef. Our greatest natural landmark is now in danger of being lost forever. In The Reef, Iain McCalman delivers the first social, cultural and environmental history of this fragile global treasure. Describing twelve key encounters between people, places, ideas and biosystems, McCalman argues that the Reef was created by human minds as well as coral polyps, by imaginations as well as natural processes. Effortlessly readable and constantly surprising, The Reef enshrines the stories behind the formation of this unique phenomenon and chronicles our shifting perceptions of it. 'A vitally important and timely book.' Tim Flannery 'Effortlessly synthesise scientific information, scholarship, fascinating and perceptive accounts of the great environmental and creationist debates over the last two hundred years, and a witty and perceptive appreciation of human foibles.' Jacqueline Kent, Australia Book Review 'Evocative and brilliant. A human history of one of the world's most astonishing ecosystems, and history at its best: enlightening, compelling and impossible to put down.' Mark McKenna 'With this book, McCalman cements his reputation as one of the finest historians of our times.' Dipesh Chakrabarty, University of Chicago"