Orca: Visions of the Killer Whale

by Peter S. Knudtson

In his poetic yet scientifically precise text, author Peter Knudtson offers visions of orca throughout the ages and across cultures, from the Kwakiutl reverence for and identification with killer whales to scientists' fascination with this intelligent, large-brained counterpart to both humans and wolves on land. Knudtson also describes in vivid detail the savvy, cooperative hunting techniques of killer whales as they race in ever tighter circles around a school of herring; the dramatic birth of a calf as it shoots from its mother's body like a torpedo; and the emerging evidence about the whales' exquisitely refined sonar and communication abilities. This compelling portrait concludes with a discussion of the ethics of orca captivity, environmental threats to wild populations, and a reassessment of orca's place in our world.

Genres: Natural History, Nonfiction, Animals

Hardcover

First published October 1, 1996

Reviews

[Eilif]

Love orcas

[Persephone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just once I'd like to read a book on whales that doesn't talk about the "injustice of captivity". If I wanted social commentary of captivity, I'd pick up a book on that. Instead, I wanted to read a book about wild orcas, not be attacked with how "awful" it is for animals in captivity, especially when the author uses information gained from captive animals to supplement the text. Without touching on the captivity issue though, this book clearly shows its age in some of the information, but has some beautiful images. Some of the image placement was confusing, but I think that might have to do with the ratio of different types of photos to information available in 1996, when this was published. When I first started reading it I wanted to purchase a copy, but now I think I'll pass.
Overall, a good starting place for people just learning about orcas, but not a central text.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read. Mesmerizing photographs, illuminating text.
A smooth mixture of ancient beliefs, myths, legends and modern science and research results. Sympathizing with the reader's love and dilemma for the orca.
I could have enjoyed an illustration to better visualize and understand echolocation.
/By Ann

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought I would be interested in whales but this book was excellent. Showed some breathtaking shots of the Orca species and gave me a new appreciation for how cool they are.