bookishwendy's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fascinating follow-up to my latest re-read of [b:Moby-Dick, or, the Whale|153747|Moby-Dick, or, the Whale|Herman Melville|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327940656l/153747._SY75_.jpg|2409320]--a book that seems to only get better each time--and provides some much-appreciated background to Melville, whaling history, and as if I wasn't already saturated in it already, updated cetology for the modern reader. Hoare balances cold hard facts with ethereal imagery and evocative prose. He's present in his narrative, but not overwhelmingly so, which I much appreciate. The Whale would pair well with [b:The Search for the Giant Squid: The Biology and Mythology of the World's Most Elusive Sea Creature|325168|The Search for the Giant Squid The Biology and Mythology of the World's Most Elusive Sea Creature|Richard Ellis|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348582514l/325168._SY75_.jpg|315833] for any other readers who aren't quite ready to leave the watery realm.
ileniazodiaco's review against another edition
5.0
"E come l'insieme delle nuvole dà vita ad atlanti celesti, così ogni balena è una nazione a sé stante, una comunità planetaria di cirripedi e pidocchi di mare che vaga la mercè della deriva continentale. Ambasciatrici internazionali del potere indiscriminato della natura, le balene sono nazioni senza Stato, dotate di una forza che trascende la loro mera presenza fisica. La balena vive una vita tra due mondi, all'insegna quindi del miracolo e della follia. Che mai avrà fatto per meritarsi una sorte simile? Respinta da Noè (come infilarla nell'arca?), sconta il fio dell'esilio che impose se stessa quando alla terra preferì le acque degli oceani".
andrew_russell's review against another edition
4.0
This book is the eloquently written biography of the whale, told from the perspective of an individual who is on a journey of discovery to satisfy his passionate desire for knowledge of these magnificent creatures. It is a richly woven tapestry which is part historical, party biographical and autobiographical and part zoology. The prose used is magnificently written and there is a real sense of connection, not only with the creatures which form the main subject of the book, but also with the author themselves.
There was considerable time spent within the text on Herman Melville's life, which while it was certainly fascinating, could probably have been omitted or replaced with more information on the whales themselves, or their relationship with humans.
Several highlights in the book included the information on what the body of a whale provides to humans, even in todays enlightened times. Also, the final segment of the book involves the author finally having the opportunity to dive with these majestic creatures, and the style in which the writers feelings and emotions throughout this experience were conveyed through the written word was truly a joy.
A great book but not quite in my 'top books' category, due to the lack of content on whales themselves and the greater degree of focus on the authors journey to discover more on this subject.
There was considerable time spent within the text on Herman Melville's life, which while it was certainly fascinating, could probably have been omitted or replaced with more information on the whales themselves, or their relationship with humans.
Several highlights in the book included the information on what the body of a whale provides to humans, even in todays enlightened times. Also, the final segment of the book involves the author finally having the opportunity to dive with these majestic creatures, and the style in which the writers feelings and emotions throughout this experience were conveyed through the written word was truly a joy.
A great book but not quite in my 'top books' category, due to the lack of content on whales themselves and the greater degree of focus on the authors journey to discover more on this subject.
connorreid1's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
4.0
jmatkinson1's review against another edition
4.0
Whales have always had a fascination for man. From the great sea-monsters of legend, the swallower of Jonah, to the giant floating store of oil, bone and flesh for the use of humans, to the modern tourist attraction, the relationship between the two species has developed. Using the novel, 'Moby Dick', as a construct Philip Hoare celebrates this most enigmatic creature through words.
It's hard to describe what this book is about beyond saying that it is about the relationship between man and whale. Through its contents so many areas are covered - history, literature, geography, anthropology, language etc as well as straight biology - and event then it is wrapped up in a very personal memoir about one man's love of the sea and the creature. This makes the book a very eclectic and therefore entertaining read.
It's hard to describe what this book is about beyond saying that it is about the relationship between man and whale. Through its contents so many areas are covered - history, literature, geography, anthropology, language etc as well as straight biology - and event then it is wrapped up in a very personal memoir about one man's love of the sea and the creature. This makes the book a very eclectic and therefore entertaining read.
87_launchpad's review against another edition
why do i continue to read books i know i’m not interested in. why don’t i know myself better than this. i am existentially spiralling
raingirlpdx's review against another edition
5.0
This is a tough read for animal lovers. The relentless decimation of the world's whale populations is hard to comprehend. This book is an encyclopedia of whale history, lore, science, natural history and love for our largest and possibly oldest animals. I highly recommend it to everyone. It's painful to learn how many whale species have been driven to the edge of extinction. The whale's number one enemy: corporate greed. Fun fact: Aristotle Onassis owned and operated whaling fleets, and ultimately sold them to the Japanese when decimated populations made his venture unprofitable.
This book is structured around a Herman Melville's "Moby Dick" - a book I've yet to read but will pick up some day.
This book is structured around a Herman Melville's "Moby Dick" - a book I've yet to read but will pick up some day.
lunabri's review against another edition
emotional
informative
slow-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Animal cruelty