Of Orcas and Men - by David Neiwert (Paperback)

About the Book

"Orcas are one of earth's most intelligent animals. Benign and gentle, with their own languages and cultures, orcas' ... capacity for long-term memory and, arguably, compassion, makes the ugly story of the captive-orca industry especially damning. In [this book], a ... mix of cultural history, environmental reporting, and scientific research, David Neiwert explores how this ... species has come to capture our imaginations--and the catastrophic environmental consequences of that appeal"--

Book Synopsis

In Of Orcas and Men, a marvelously compelling mix of cultural history, environmental reporting, and scientific research, David Neiwert explores how this extraordinary species has come to capture our imaginations--and the catastrophic environmental consequences of that appeal.

Orcas are one of Earth's most intelligent animals. Benign and gentle, with their own languages and cultures, orcas' amazing capacity for long-term memory and, arguably, compassion, makes the ugly story of the captive-orca industry especially damning.

In the tradition of Barry Lopez's classic Of Wolves and Men, David Neiwert's book is a powerful tribute to one of the animal kingdom's most remarkable members.

"Powerful and beautifully written." --Jane Goodall

Review Quotes

Of Orcas and Men: What Killer Whales Can Teach Us explores just how intelligent these creatures really are, what that means for us, and what we might possibly learn from them.

[A] breathtaking survey of orca science, folklore, and mystery.

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

A wide-ranging, interesting book that should be required reading for school-aged environmentalists.

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

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

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

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.