Martin, Stephen. The whales' journey: a year in the life of a humpback whale, and a century in the history of whaling - Book Review

Allen & Unwin, dist. by Independent Publishers Group. 272p. map. illus. notes. bibliog. index. c2001. 1-86508-232-5. $15.95. SA

Almost 200 years ago a French naturalist wrote that "enticed by the riches that would come from vanquishing whales, man disturbed the peace of their vast wilderness, violated their haven, wiped out all those unable to steal away to the inaccessible wasteland of icy polar seas ... and so, the giant of giants fell prey to his weaponry. Since man will never change, only when they cease to exist shall these enormous species cease to be the victims of his self interest." (p. 230)

This pessimistic but largely prescient view held true for too many decades. It is difficult now for most Americans to understand the cruel slaughter of whales and how much they played a part in our economy. Stephen Martin successfully illuminates the history of the whaling industry, placing it within the context of the culture of the time. More uplifting are the chapters spent on the life. migration and habits of the humpback whale. As much as we know, there is so much that remains to be discovered about these magnificent animals. Martin's work is an excellent summary of the known. Martin is a writer and researcher with numerous other books and articles to his credit. Although this is no dry, scientific tome, it is recommended to both the armchair naturalist and the high school or undergraduate student looking for a well-written and readable overview of the life of the humpback whale. Katherine E. Gillen, Libn., Luke AFB Lib., AZ

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