I haven't read any of the replies, so I'm sure there will be differences of
opinion.  However, the best basic reference, despite the numerous errors and
reclassifications is still Abbott's American Sea Shells.  By making notations as
you read later works and noting corrections, this is still the finest, most
comprehensive treatment on American mollusks.  It astounds me every time I use
it.  Keep in mind, Tucker accomplished this work before there were computers.
 
A few months ago one of the Conch-Ler's provided us an errata sheet for many
corrections.  Unfortunately several of my records are misfiled (will find it
eventually), but maybe he'll speak up and offer it one more time.
 
Another good field guide with great photos of many miniatures is The Audubon
Society's Field Guide to North American Seashells by Harald Rehder.
 
Marlo
 
Sarah R. Watson wrote:
 
>           I am a sophmore in college and my great love is studying the ecology
> of gastropods.  Most of what I have leaned about mollusks has been self
> taught. I read shell guides by the hour trying to learn the names of the
> various snails that are in the many books. I am most often using "Compendium
> Of Seashells" by Abbott and Wagner  and The Peterson field guide "Shells Of
> The Atlantic, Gulf Coasts and West Indies" by Abbott and Morris as my basic
> guides to learn these names. I have noticed that all the species named in the
> Peterson guide have common names. Have you seen or read this book? If so have
> you noticed if the common names used in this edition are correct or
> acceptable. Most people that I am in contact with do not use the latin names
> and because of my surroundings  I am only just now learning the latin names.
> Do you think that the two books I am currently using are good for scientific
> research. If not could you recommend a few. My work is currently in the
> Caribbean province and in the Southern Carolinian province.  Thank you.
>
> Sincerely
>   Sarah Watson