Pearls; From Mythology to Modern Pearl Culture 128 p. w. 13 black and white ill. and 186 coloured ill. (Text in German) This book provides a richly detailed account of the cultural history of pearls from ancient times to the present. In doing so it documents the role pearls played in religion and mythology, describing their significance as merchandise, insignia of office and symbol of female eroticism. Impressive photographs by David Doubilet, one of the most famous underwater photographers, report on the work of pearl culturist in China, Japan, Indonesia, Australia, Tahiti and Hong Kong.