Souls in the Sea: Dolphins, Whales, and Human Destiny [Paperback]

Scott Taylor (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 21, 2003

Dolphins have long been attributed with intelligence, but do they have souls? Self-awareness? Compassion? Scott Taylor, Director of the Cetacean Studies Institute, investigates the history, mythology, and science surrounding these creatures and emerges with a resounding yes. And not only do whales and dolphins merit our attention and respect in their own right: they are an index to what our future as a species can be.

In this multi-faceted cetology compendium, Taylor surveys the portrayal of dolphins and whales in works of literature as disparate as Moby Dick and Sumerian legend, examines biologist John Lilly's research on interspecies communication, and explores the benefits of dolphin-assisted swimming therapy for disabled children and adults. Looking at the world from the perspective of one of these "souls in the sea," Taylor suggests that cetaceans are an ideal bridge between humanity and nature. Poetically written and thoughtfully illustrated with photos and drawings, Souls in the Sea is a comprehensive celebration of the biology, history, and mystique of dolphins and whales.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Mr. Taylor is the key person in what I call the Cetacean Nation, a global network of like-minded individuals attempting to bridge the communication gap between humans and cetaceans. His work contributes a wider understanding of humanity, cetacea, and the environment on the edge of the twenty-first century. Scott's continued efforts as educator and catalyst bridge not only the interspecies communication barrier, but the barriers between people."
—Dr. John C. Lilly, author of Man and Dolphin

About the Author

Scott Taylor founded the Australia-based Cetacean Studies Institute, a research and educational organization that coordinates tours, trips to swim with dolphins, therapeutic opportunities, and storytelling adventures. The Institute is also involved in ending global whaling permanently. Scott lives near Byron Bay, Australia with his wife.

Product Details

• Paperback: 330 pages
• Publisher: Frog Books (February 21, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1583940715
• ISBN-13: 978-1583940716
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 3.2 x 11.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #732,576 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #28 in Books > Science & Math > Nature & Ecology > Field Guides > Mammals

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Soulful and Intense, May 17, 2003

By 

Timothy Wyllie (Mountainair, N.M. United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Souls in the Sea: Dolphins, Whales, and Human Destiny (Paperback)

This is a wonderful and much-needed piece of work. At last The Legend of the Golden Dolphin has broken free of the oral tradition and found a good home in this elegantly researched and beautifully written book. Although, of necessity brief, it is nothing more than an alternative history of the world--life seen as a complex braiding through time of cetacea and humanity--the ultimate goal, the fullfillment of our mutual destiny. Firmly titling the book, 'Souls in the Sea', makes sure the reader knows the author's viewpoint is both wide-ranging and spiritual in outlook. According dolphins and whales high intelligence is the first step in understanding that these ocean-going mammals, our genetic cousins (we are, as the book points out, genetically closer to cetaceans than we are to the higher primates) also have lives of the Spirit. Grasping this is a far cry from loving dolphins because they are cute (although for some it's a good start) and demands that we radically review our whole approach to the other species. This book will open eyes, blow minds, reassure some and antagonize others. Thousands of years of cultural conditioning, of implicit species domination, needs be dispensed with in the far deeper realization that we share this planet with other intelligent sentient beings with spiritual realities of their own. Time is short...Will the willing sacrifice of cetacea finally awaken old OGO The Fox to our species true responsibilities? Hold to your center and open your heart.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rock your world ... with breaking waves, May 14, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Souls in the Sea: Dolphins, Whales, and Human Destiny (Paperback)

Brilliant. A rollicking, sometimes breathless combination of mythology and science. Though it may take a bit of squinting effort now and then to bring your brain around this whole new way of thinking, its worth the effort. Indeed, Taylor will crack your mind wide open ... and the possibilites will flood right in, like a rising tide. Anyone who's experienced a profound awakening at the side of a dolphin will find some explanations here, and anyone wishing to take a new look at human history will appreciate Taylor's bravery in tackling such a panorama. Anyone want to start a chat board on this one? Bet we could get Taylor to join in ...

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary, May 12, 2003

By 

Dorothy G. Darr "yellowbrickroadbooks" (High Point, NC USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Souls in the Sea: Dolphins, Whales, and Human Destiny (Paperback)

If you like all creatures of this world and are interested in the oceans/rivers for their unusual variety of living things and all that they [oceans and the creatures] can teach you, you'll like this book: an extraordinary concept for modern man in its historic context. A rare treasure. Not to be missed. Buy this book and read it! It will change your life, or, at least, your perception of your life and environment. A must for all sailors and those who spend their lives, or part of their lives on, or near, the sea.