A few weeks ago, we told you about Beth and Shaun Tierney's book called Diving The World. According to the book's publisher, Footprint Travel Guides, Diving The World "takes the underwater adventurer on a magical tour of many of the world's top dives. Over 200 prime sites have been carefully selected, reviewed and photographed..." Come on, I thought; how could one book accurately and adequately describe so many dive sites? Surely, I felt, the Tierneys must've dashed off a quick paragraph describing the country; slapped down a sentence or two about each dive site; tossed in a few photos; and then moved on to the next destination. I wanted to see for myself. Consequently, I recently got my hands on a copy, and all I can say is:

Wow.

What an amazing book.

Unlike most travel guides -- which simply paint a picture of what you might see upon arriving at a given destination -- Diving the World provides abundant, visceral, concrete descriptions about the places in the book. Moreover, the Tierneys include colorful, personal anecdotes about each destination, so reading their book feels more like peeking into their private memoirs as opposed to paging through a published travel guide. Ultimately, the hefty 352-page book meticulously and exquisitely details 220 dive sites scattered among 19 different countries. Filled with excellent maps, breathtaking photos, and practical information on various dive sites, countries, and cultures, Diving the World is less like a travel guide, and more like a love letter to some of the world's most beautiful, untouched locations.

In the book's introduction, the Tierneys provide tips on topics such as:

• how to plan for -- and pack for -- a dive trip;
• where divers are more likely to see specific marine species -- including the "nasties" -- in various locations; and,
• which airlines are have the most liberal excess baggage policies, and which have the most comfortable seats.

Like so many things in life, however, once the introductions are out of the way, the relationship starts to bloom. Moving from Australia to PNG, to the Solomon Islands, to Fiji, and far beyond, the Tierneys effortlessly and concisely take the reader on a mini-dive-trip, describing each of the countries they showcase as though they've lived there for years. In each country's Essentials section, for example, the couple provides tips on getting around the country; hints about language; helpful doo-dads about laws, customs, safety, health, costs, and more. Quite simply, they lay out all the facts that any traveler -- diver or otherwise -- needs to know.

Then we get to the good stuff: the Dive Log. After briefing us on the region's diving, generally, the Tierneys hit details about specific dive sites -- highlighting "must-do" dives with stars -- and provide information on depth, viz, currents, preferred boat style, and whether the site is appropriate for snorkelers. Amazingly, the various sites' narratives are more descriptive and thorough than many dive briefings I've received. Along with the words, of course, are glorious color photos of the representative critters you can spot during the dives. (The couple work as photojournalists in their "other" life.)

However, if you don't like the Tierneys' opinions, you don't have to take them: they've included plenty of "Tales From The Deep" -- first-person accounts from professional divers and fellow travelers explaining what's special about particular dive sites, marine animals, or countries. Some of these accounts are so descriptive and evocative that I felt as though I were reading an adventure novel as opposed to a travel guide.

After the specific site reviews, the Tierneys close with a section called "Drying Out," which provides details on local dive centers/liveaboards, accommodation, restaurants, car rentals, and topside attractions. Then, it's on to the next country.

Of course, nothing in this world is perfect, but I can only think of two things about Diving the World that turn me off:

1. The book contains about half a dozen two-page spreads advertising various dive operations. At each chapter's end (where the couple provides tips on where to eat and which dive centers to go with), sometimes the advertised company gets a nod, and sometimes it doesn't -- which suggests to me that the Tierneys put together an objective guide. (Note to Footprint: get rid of those ads!)
2. The book is light on the Caribbean and skips the Mediterranean entirely. In their introduction, the Tierneys write that "Getting around the Mediterranean or the Caribbean is simple. Getting to destinations that are just that bit further takes research and planning." Hence, the reason for this book. While I suppose that's true, I feel like many of the extraordinary dives covered in these pages are out of reach for many divers. (Of course, it's not the Tierneys' fault that diving is an expensive hobby.)

Otherwise, the book is absolutely top-drawer. Truly, it's a must-have for anyone who dives. Not only is it a comprehensive trip-planning guide, it's a manifesto arguing the underwater realm is worth protecting. Beth and Shaun Tierney's Diving the World is, at once, the most comprehensive dive guide ever published and the most lovingly-put-together personal diary ever made. If you doubt me, pick up a copy and flip through it. Immediately, you'll learn two things: (1) that I was right; and (2) that Diving the World belongs on your bookshelf.