Drawing upon six years of field research, including many conversations with Inuit people, independent scholar Pelly presents a history of seal hunting in the Arctic. Particular attention is paid to the spiritual dimensions of the relationship between the seals and the people. The text is richly illustrated with photographs (in b&w and color) as well as traditional artistic representations of Inuit people and seals. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)