590 Zoological Sciences
Hoyt, Erich. Seasons of the Whale. (Illus.) Washington, DC: Humane Society of the United States, 1998. 104pp. $19.95 (paper). 97-61025. ISBN 0-9658942-0-7. Index.
JH–T, GA ++
The Elizabethan poet Edmund Spenser wrote of "the huge leviathan, dame nature's wonder." Whales are indeed huge leviathans, and they have long held a special place in our minds and hearts. Despite their dramatic visual impact and their disastrous exploitation by whalers, little was known about many aspects of the biology of whales: their migratory habits, social structures, feeding, and reproductive behavior. As the author of this beautiful book points out, it was not until the early 1970s that a serious modern study of living whales began to take place. The book describes North Atlantic populations of humpback, blue, and right whales, plus a few other species, during the four seasons of the year. The author is an experienced filmmaker and whale watcher, and he draws on the work of dozens of dedicated amateur and professional whale biologists to piece together an enthralling story of the lives and times of these whales. Individual whales with distinctive markings have been named, recognized, observed, and followed for many years. The text of the book is authoritative, interesting, and exciting, and it is complemented by about 75 excellent and sometimes stunning color photographs. Read this book, and be astonished at "dame nature's wonders."—David L. Pawson, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC
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