Among Whales [Hardcover]

Roger Payne (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2, 1995

Taking readers on a journey across the spectrum of life to discover the answers to the larger questions of life on Earth, an eminent field biologist addresses a wide range of subjects--from the purpose of the brain to the possibilities of peaceful cohabitation among the world's creatures. 9 charts.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

From a leading whale biologist comes this wide-ranging account of cetacean behavior.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Cetacean biologist Payne has dedicated his life to studying whales and securing their protection. Beginning with an introduction to the whale's biology and its place in the animal kingdom, he goes on to discuss his research with right whales in Patagonia, the songs of humpback whales, herd sizes, human interactions with whales, and the killing of whales. He interweaves his personal story, other information about the study areas ("the study of whales need not entirely concern whales"), and his own philosophy ("the ultimate expression of our madness is that we revere as wise those who put economic considerations above all else"). Bruce Obee and Graeme Ellis's Guardians of the Whales (LJ 11/1/92) is an overview of the best-known whale species, while this book covers fewer species in greater detail. Highly recommended as the backbone of a collection on whales.
Mary J. Nickum, MAXIMA Corp., Lanham, Md.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 432 pages
• Publisher: Scribner (June 2, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684802104
• ISBN-13: 978-0684802107
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #886,556 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Touched By Whales, October 29, 2001

By 

Jena Ball "Jena Ball" (North Carolina, United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Among Whales (Paperback)

I am astonished that this book is out of print. How can this be? Why aren't people using it as a textbook in writing, psychology, ethics and marine biology classes? Why aren't high schools and universities clamouring to have Roger Payne speak at their commencement exercises? Why isn't he being interviewed by Oprah and Good Morning America? Why isn't the name Roger Payne as familiar to us as Jacques Cousteau or Keiko the whale? Believe me, it should be.

Roger Payne is a cetacean scientist - that is to say he studies whales - however that doesn't begin to tell you about what he really does or who he really is. You see, Roger Payne swims up to Right Whales and looks them in the eye. He hangs upside down next to Humpback whales in order to experience their bone shaking songs up close. He spends hundredsd of hours a year on boats watching and recording the movements, behaviors and songs of whales. Best of all, Roger Payne has stories to tell about another world that exists beyond land. He knows and can prove, for example, that Humpback whales sing. Yes sing. Not simply make sounds but create rhythm, patterns and notes in sequences that put some of our greatest composers to shame. He has stories to tell of his encounters with whales that make it abundantly clear that they think, feel and communicate. In short Roger Payne has something to teach us about our relationship to another species on this planet, and we should be listening.

But if you're not the sort to read a book just because it would be good for you, read it because Payne is a fine writer whose stories are well told and fascinating, and whose scientific explanations are so clear that even the most scientifically-challenged person can follow. Read it because it will enchant you with its descriptions of whales at play and captivate you with its studies of why whales do what they do. Read it because it will challenge your mind and touch your heart. It's that good.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book about the x's and o's of whales, November 20, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Among Whales (Paperback)

This book explains many theories about whale behavior, communications, etc. in great detail. It is fairly complicated in its analysis and does not have any pictures. Definately a must read.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding!!!, April 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Among Whales (Paperback)

If you have wondered about the beauty of these mammals, then you must read this book. Roger Payne shares the wonders of the graceful aminals. If you care for them at all, then you are foolish not to read this book. It has really bought me closer to who they really are.