Of Orcas and Men: What Killer Whales Can Teach Us - David Neiwert [epub]

A celebrated journalist’s 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 orca—otherwise known as the killer whale—is one of earth’s 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 industry—and the endangerment of their population in Puget Sound—that 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 Lopez’s classic Of Wolves and Men, David Neiwert’s book is a triumph of reporting, observation, and research, and a powerful tribute to one of the animal kingdom’s most remarkable members.

**

Review

“Human beings need to learn from and understand the cooperative nature of orca society. Everyone who is interested in both animal and human behavior should read this remarkable book.” (Temple Grandin, New York Times bestselling author of Animals in Translation and Animals Make Us Human)

“One of the most comprehensive works to date for anyone who has become enthralled by this magnificent animal.” (Gabriela Cowperthwaite, Director of Blackfish)

“Humans and killer whales have a long and complicated history, one that David Neiwert describes forcefully and eloquently in this fascinating and highly readable book.” (David Kirby, New York Times bestselling author of Death at SeaWorld)

“A wide-ranging, interesting book that should be required reading for school-aged environmentalists.” (Kirkus)

“A triumph of far-ranging research and vivid storytelling. Eloquent, astute, and compassionate.” (Brenda Peterson, author of Build Me an Ark: A Life With Animals)

“Many of the stories are incredible and heartwarming, other shocking. This book is a great read for any nature lover.” (Jeffrey Ventre, Blackfish cast member)

“[A] breathtaking survey of orca science, folklore, and mystery.” (The Stranger)

“David Neiwert is no scientist. But his latest book is full of the stuff, as the US journalist runs through the history of our relationship with orcas, and the light being shed on the behavior and rich culture of these magnetic but mysterious mammals. He talks to conservationists, captains, researchers and observers, and combines their reports with his own inspirational encounters with the wild whales of the Pacific Northwest . . . The overall tone is celebratory, tinged with the hope that a growing appreciation for the species will improve our connection with nature.” (BBC Wildlife)

About the Author

David Neiwert is an investigative journalist based in Seattle. He is the author of many books, including And Hell Followed With Her: Crossing the Dark Side of the American Border and Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community. His reportage for MSNBC.com on domestic terrorism won the National Press Club Award for Distinguished Online Journalism in 2000. He is also a contributing writer for the Southern Poverty Law Center.