Synopses & Reviews
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.
Synopsis
Australian Scott Taylor has devoted his life to studying dolphins and whales. In this poetic cetology compendium, he shows how the history, mythology, and scientific research surrounding these creatures is an index to what our future as a species can be. The author discusses the portrayal of dolphins and whales in literature, legend, and the Judeo-Christian heritage; the research of biologist John Lilly on interspecies communication; the militarys sinister use of dolphins; and the benefits of dolphin-assisted swimming therapy for disabled children and adults. Poetic and mystical, Taylor looks at the world from the perspective of these creatures, demonstrating how they connect humanity to the natural world. Color and black-and-white photos and illustrations add to this celebration of the biology, history, and mystique of dolphins and whales.
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.