Rotman, Jeffrey L. Eyes Into Secret Seas. Underwater photographs by Jeffrey L. Rotman.

Rizzoli, 2002. Slipcased, hardcover, with belly band.  First edition, like new. 208 pages. Uncommon thus. Most available copies lack the slipcase and if slipcase present, missing the belly band. An impressive selection of Rotman’s brilliantly lit color photographs, often featuring an eye of a fish or other sea creature.  Also chapters on coral and invertebrates. From Rotman’s “personal and largely unpublished archive.”  Jeff Rotman is one of the world’s leading underwater photographers and divers and he has also published numerous other books. Summary: 

Eyes Into Secret Seas is a visually stunning photography book that showcases the extraordinary underwater world through the lens of acclaimed underwater photographer Jeffrey L. Rotman. Published in 2001/2002 and spanning about 208 pages, the book features an extensive collection of Rotman’s best underwater images, focusing especially on striking macro and close-up shots of marine life.

Rather than typical wide seascapes, Rotman’s work highlights the hidden details and vibrant colors of ocean creatures—from the intricate patterns on fish scales and gills to the textures of corals, anemone tentacles, and other reef dwellers. Many photographs verge on the abstract, transforming natural forms into artistic compositions that reveal structures and patterns seldom seen with the naked eye.

Interspersed with the photographs is a text by Rotman himself that gives insight into his explorations, the technical challenges of underwater photography, and his experiences capturing life beneath the waves. He often explains how patience and method—such as photographing at night when many fish are still—allowed him to get close to subjects that might otherwise be elusive.

Overall, the book is as much an artistic celebration of the sea’s beauty as it is a visual invitation to appreciate and protect the diversity of ocean life, encouraging readers to see the ocean’s hidden wonders up close.