Dolphins of the World [Hardcover]

Ben Wilson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 20, 1998

This top-selling series introduces the wild creatures of the world and examines the natural world. Good general introductions for ages 10+, these volumes contain the knowledge, personal experiences, and research of leading naturalists and scientists, accompanied by stunning photography.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

As the author notes, dolphins "bear many similarities to sharks but elicit an entirely different response in us." Maybe it's because dolphins don't eat humans--but most sharks don't eat humans either. Maybe it's because of the "dolphin smile," that trick of nature that gives dolphins a friendly countenance. Whatever the reason, many humans love dolphins, and those who do will certainly enjoy Dolphins of the World, written by marine zoologist Ben Wilson. Introductory chapters about the dolphin's evolution, physique, and lifestyle are followed by sections devoted to the three major dolphin classifications: oceanic dolphins like the bottlenose and the clymene; coastal dolphins like the dusky and the Chilean; and river dolphins like the tucuxi and the Irrawaddy. Wilson's writing is learned but not overly dry. He is at his best when he turns to subjects very near his heart, such as dolphin conservation and research. One brief chapter entitled "Getting to Know a Wild Dolphin" recounts his eight-year study of Kess, a dolphin who lived off the northeastern coast of Scotland. Wilson concludes the book with suggestions for further reading and information on how you can support research and conservation efforts. A full-color diagram of 30 of the dolphin species displays their diversity of shape, size, and color--from the reddish-pink boto to the huge, grey Risso's dolphin. Nearly 70 beautiful photos of many of these species accompany the text and help make this handsome book a treat for dolphin fans. --C.B. Delaney

Review

. . . offers readers everything they wanted to know about dolphins but didn't know whom to ask. -- Naples Daily News, Naples, FL

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 132 pages
• Publisher: Voyageur Press (December 20, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0896584003
• ISBN-13: 978-0896584006
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 9.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,177,493 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The must-have bookk for any dolphin lover, July 21, 1999

By 

Angel Lee "Liocorno Amethyst Moonstone" (Cleveland, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Dolphins of the World (Hardcover)

This is a must have book for any dolphin lover. It is in full-color with numerous full-page photographs of dolphins by various photographers. It is also packed with many fascinating facts on these intriguing & beautiful creatures. Information is given on the dolphins' origins, physiology, intelligence, eating habits, birth, & death. The lives & characteristics of oceanic, river, and coastal dolphins are also detailed. Next, environmental issues & research as well as the authors' personal experiences with dolphins are discussed. Wonderful photographs show many different species of dolphins in a wide variety of situations. A great illustrated chart showing over 30 dolphin types in also included. Many dolphins shown are quite unusual like the pink Boto & Atlantic spotted dolphin. A chart in the back gives details on the attributes & location of each one.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, August 24, 2000

By 

Iain (Nevada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dolphins of the World (Hardcover)

I have met Dr Wilson in person, and this book echoes his enthusiam and vast knowledge of dolphins. Dr Wilson is not only a profound scholar and a real boffin, but an excellent writer also.

His vivid pictures and lurid writing bring the pages to life and hold you in total awe of this exciting topic. This book will appeal to the layman and scientist alike.

Keep up the good work Ben Bunny

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Dolphin Resource Book, March 12, 2007

By 

Beverly A. Fontaine "Doerner" (McKinleyville, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dolphins of the World (Worldlife Discovery Guides) (Paperback)

This book is an excellent resource on dolphins, and the photographs are incredible. There are descriptions of all kinds of dolphins, from the well-loved bottle-nose to the lesser-known river dolphins. A must have for anyone who loves dolphins and wants to learn more about them!