Jacques Cousteau: Whales [Hardcover]

Jacques Yves Cousteau (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0792445201 | ISBN-13: 978-0792445203 | Publication Date: November 1991

A profusion of illustrations, most in full color, illuminates the long history of mankind's fascination with whales. In addition to the most up-to-date scientific findings, the text presents historical information, mythology, poetry, and more. (Animals) GBC

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Cousteau and Paccalet ( The Ocean World of Jacques Cousteau ) here demand an immediate halt to the whaling that continues worldwide. In a survey of the gradual depletions of whale populations, they argue credibly that the International Whaling Commission is controlled, in part, by the very interests that lead the slaughter and that the organization lacks the power to enforce its too lenient edicts. Much more than a well-founded protest, this comprehensive examination of all species of whales includes facts about physiology, migratory habits, patterns of socialization and communication, feeding methods and menu, sexual styles, childrearing procedures and life expectancy. A chapter on the whale in art, literature and religion is included; illuminated manuscripts of the story of Jonah are juxtaposed with Tlingit creation myths and Japanese haiku. Lavishly illustrated with photos that range from the breathtaking breach of the humpback whale to oceans red with blood, this well-researched, well-written study of the largest creatures on earth makes a convincing appeal for their protection.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Cousteau and Paccalet have created a superior book on whales by combining a purely photographic work with an enlightened narration. Most books on these exceptional mammals tend to either be collections of photographs or handbooks for the whale watcher. This one, however, includes biology as well as information on whale distribution, their habitat, and their roles in human culture. Descriptions are accompanied by numerous photographs. Photographic quality is generally good, although a few appear grainy as the result of excessive enlargement; narration is well-founded scientifically and avoids the emotional tone found in some whale literature. Mary J. Nickum, Fish & Wildlife Reference Svce., Bethesda, Md.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Bdd Promotional Book Co (November 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0792445201
• ISBN-13: 978-0792445203
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,481,226 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Probably the only book on Whales you will need., December 15, 2004

By 

Ned Middleton (British professional underwater photo-journalist & author) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Jacques Cousteau: Whales (Hardcover)

One of my most prized possessions is a personal letter from the late, great Jacques Yves Cousteau which is framed and hangs on the wall of my study. This is the man who brought the undersea world into the living rooms of so many people all over the world. Those television programmes first began in the 1950's and yet, even today, people talk about them as though they went out only yesterday.

Not only did this man pioneer the invention and development of the Aqualung, he also pioneered the development of underwater photography. It was to be expected, therefore, that any book bearing his name would be the most complete and thorough account of the subject and that the photography would simply be the best. It is.

Jacques Cousteau's Whales is a large coffee table book containing 280 pages of sheer value for money. The content includes Whaling in all it's bloody detail, a description of each species, their plight today, their migratory, mating and eating habits and much, much more besides. There are historic references throughout the book where appropriate. Numerous ancient and historic pictures and photographs appear alongside modern photography which detail every aspect of the Whale. As with all good photographs, many of the images speak volumes; Across pages 10 and 11, for example is a photograph of a few Seagulls above a sea turned bright red by Whaling.

For many people, this will be the only book on the subject of Whales the will require and they will not be disappointed.

NM

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Majesty And Grandeur Of Whales, August 20, 2004

By 

James Gallen (St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jacques Cousteau: Whales (Hardcover)

"Whales" is an oversized, coffee table book which conveys a great deal of information about its subject. The many pictures, both photographic and drawn, are used both to demonstrate the grandeur of these majestic mammals and as serving as visual aides in support of the text.

This book covers whales from many perspectives. When a particular topic is addressed, the major whale species are covered sequentially. It tells about their anatomy, including their breathing, swimming and eating mechanisms. It tells about their diet and migrations. The history of human impressions of and interaction with whales, the place of whales in literature and the role of whaling are given much attention. Many quotes from Melville and other writers of the past support the text. Conservation and the need to ban whaling are major themes of this book.

At first glance, one might be inclined to think that this book is just one with a lot of pictures and that it is, but it is much more besides. The reader is introduced to an informative and interesting textual treatment of whales. I read it in preparation for a whale watch and was very satisfied. I plan to keep it handy for future reference. Whether one is looking for a thorough introduction to whales or a nature book to leave on your coffee table, "Whales" by Jacques Cousteau is a good choice.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jaques Cousteau's Whales, December 27, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Jacques Cousteau: Whales (Hardcover)

This is an AMAZING book, and DEFINATELY a valuable collector's item if you are a whale fan! The pictures are amazing, and, like always, Cousteau is interesting as well as informative.