Volume 2 covers the molluscan phyla not covered in the first volume. As in the first volume, the aim of the book is to offer collectors an illustrated guide to the majority of the European molluscs. For scientists, this book can serve as a springboard for their research on more specific themes. Curators of museum collections will find it useful as a systematic guide.
The geographical area covered is the same as in the first volume: from the Norwegian/Russian border (Barentz Sea) in the North, south to the Canary Islands, including the off-shore islands such as the Azores and Iceland. Eastwards it includes the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. This huge expanse of sea covers several biogeographical areas, each containing species particular to their region, while many others are found throughout the European geographical range.
The authors are aware that some of the countries bordering the waters of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea are not European. However, it was felt that since "the Sea" is considered to be one unit by researchers in the Mediterranean area, the species occuring on non-European coasts (often not exclusively) should also be included.