A celebrated journalists eye-opening history of orcas, and an exploration of their relationship with human beings, Of Orcas and Men does for whales what Barry Lopez did for wolves
The orcaotherwise known as the killer whaleis one of earths most intelligent animals. Remarkably sophisticated, orcas have languages and cultures and even long-term memories, and their capacity for echolocation is nothing short of a sixth sense. They are also benign and gentle, which makes the story of the captive-orca industryand the endangerment of their population in Puget Soundthat much more damning.In Of Orcas and Men, a marvelously compelling mix of cultural history, environmental reporting, and scientific research, David Neiwert explores an extraordinary species and its occasionally fraught relationship with human beings. Beginning with their role in myth and contemporary popular culture, Neiwert shows how killer whales came to capture our imaginations, and brings to life the often catastrophic environmental consequences of that appeal.
In the tradition of Barry Lopezs classic Of Wolves and Men, David Neiwerts book is a triumph of reporting, observation, and research, and a powerful tribute to one of the animal kingdoms most remarkable members. 30 b&w illustrations throughout
