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Secrets of the Whales
This provocative book of photography offers bold new insight into the lives of the world's largest mammals, along with their complex societies. In these pages, we learn that whales share an amazing ability to learn and adapt to opportunities, from specialized feeding strategies to parenting techniques. There is also evidence of deeper, cultural elements of whale identity, from unique dialects to matrilineal societies to organized social customs like singing contests. Featuring the arresting underwater images of Brian Skerry, who has explored and documented oceans for over four decades, this book will document these alluring creatures in all their glory--and demonstrate how these majestic creatures can teach us about ourselves and our planet.
192 pages, Hardcover
Published April 6, 2021
17 people are currently reading
1943 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 9, 2021
Since I was little, I always loved reading and being fascinated by National Geography photography books, especially drawn to the ocean world.
In SECRETS OF THE WHALES, we have the chance to appreciate whales as poetry, as they are captivating, majestic and enigmatic, however little do we know about their lives. Through this fabulous collection of photographs, Skerry illustrates the culture and wisdom of whales, presenting a complex view of the world's largest animal. We are guided to another dimension on our ocean planet, transported into the sea where we are enlightened by the beauty of the whales.
As we follow the whale culture, we recognize parallels between human and whale's behaviors - they have feeding strategies, pass on ancient traditions, adapt to opportunities and celebrate identity. Each photo brought a unique feeling, which I felt one with nature. The pages reveals these creatures in all their glory, alongside Skerry's shared experiences with whales. What I found most interesting was to see their behavior, from unique dialects to matriarchal society.
In contrast to the fascinating nature of these animals, I was once more reminded of the harm human have inflicted on whales - the whaling industry, hunting, ocean pollution... ugly facts contributing to endangering species and leaving lifelong scars on them. It is sad, infuriating to say the least.
The mystery surrounding whales is unfathomable and we barely scratches the surface. SECRETS OF THE WHALES is a non-fiction book with breathtaking photos about these ocean creatures that I can't recommend enough.
[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - National Geographic - in exchange for an honest review ]
In SECRETS OF THE WHALES, we have the chance to appreciate whales as poetry, as they are captivating, majestic and enigmatic, however little do we know about their lives. Through this fabulous collection of photographs, Skerry illustrates the culture and wisdom of whales, presenting a complex view of the world's largest animal. We are guided to another dimension on our ocean planet, transported into the sea where we are enlightened by the beauty of the whales.
As we follow the whale culture, we recognize parallels between human and whale's behaviors - they have feeding strategies, pass on ancient traditions, adapt to opportunities and celebrate identity. Each photo brought a unique feeling, which I felt one with nature. The pages reveals these creatures in all their glory, alongside Skerry's shared experiences with whales. What I found most interesting was to see their behavior, from unique dialects to matriarchal society.
In contrast to the fascinating nature of these animals, I was once more reminded of the harm human have inflicted on whales - the whaling industry, hunting, ocean pollution... ugly facts contributing to endangering species and leaving lifelong scars on them. It is sad, infuriating to say the least.
The mystery surrounding whales is unfathomable and we barely scratches the surface. SECRETS OF THE WHALES is a non-fiction book with breathtaking photos about these ocean creatures that I can't recommend enough.
[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - National Geographic - in exchange for an honest review ]
April 8, 2021
Brian Skerry has spent decades capturing the unique and mysterious world of whales. Through his up close and magnificent photography the ocean is presented as a magical place, one that we are lucky enough to share with the many enchanting species of whales. Through his photographs Skerry highlights the comparisons between human and whale behavior in order to strengthen our bonds.
Focusing on six groups of whales: Right Whales, Belugas, Orcas, Sperm Whales, Humpbacks, and Dolphins, Skerry gives us a rare glimpse of the whales personal world and intimate moments. Right Whales, so named because they were the right whale to hunt are among the most endangered. Through pictures we are able to see their curious and sensitive nature. The Belugas' tight knit social structure, use of language and care of their young is displayed with this playful and charismatic species. Orcas are clever, strategic and organized with distinct feeding plans in each population. Sperm Whales are caring with highly developed societies and tight knit family groups as well as expressive as they are the largest brained animal. Humpbacks carry out singing contests and prefer to group feed even though they are capable of feeding alone. Dolphins are smart, charismatic and playful. They need a social structure, can solve complex problems, show self awareness and use tools. Through these photographs we are reminded that we are more similar to these great creatures than different and we should strive to change our actions in order to protect our oceans and the many species that call it home.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Focusing on six groups of whales: Right Whales, Belugas, Orcas, Sperm Whales, Humpbacks, and Dolphins, Skerry gives us a rare glimpse of the whales personal world and intimate moments. Right Whales, so named because they were the right whale to hunt are among the most endangered. Through pictures we are able to see their curious and sensitive nature. The Belugas' tight knit social structure, use of language and care of their young is displayed with this playful and charismatic species. Orcas are clever, strategic and organized with distinct feeding plans in each population. Sperm Whales are caring with highly developed societies and tight knit family groups as well as expressive as they are the largest brained animal. Humpbacks carry out singing contests and prefer to group feed even though they are capable of feeding alone. Dolphins are smart, charismatic and playful. They need a social structure, can solve complex problems, show self awareness and use tools. Through these photographs we are reminded that we are more similar to these great creatures than different and we should strive to change our actions in order to protect our oceans and the many species that call it home.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
June 22, 2025
Fascinating!
August 27, 2022
This book consists of 6 chapters each one dedicated to one type of whale. The whales in this book are Right Whales, Belugas, Orcas, Sperm Whales, Humpbacks and Dolphins.
July 14, 2025
Loved! I wish there were even more types of whales included
April 7, 2021
As one would expect from a book put out by National Geographic, the photographs in this book are outstanding. I so enjoyed looking through them and remembering the trips I have taken with my husband where we saw different whales and dolphins; orcas off of Vancouver, Cananda, humpbacks, pygmy killer whales, and spinner dolphins off off Hawaii, bottlenose dolphins off of the Bahamas and one huge blue whale in the Baha.
The photos in the book are magical and yet sometimes simple all at once. They show these magnificent creatures doing the most ordinary things and actions we perceive as extraordinary. Having seen the humpbacks breeching I can say it’s a sight one does not forget. It also seems to me that when the spinner dolphins launch out of the water spinning and spinning that they are having a marvelous time.
The book also serves to educate on the various whales and dolphins for not all of them are as abundant as they were or should be. It’s fascinating to learn about the way they travel, bond, mate and give birth. I will look forward to looking through this book over and over again to relive my trips and rejoice in the magnificence of these creatures.
The photos in the book are magical and yet sometimes simple all at once. They show these magnificent creatures doing the most ordinary things and actions we perceive as extraordinary. Having seen the humpbacks breeching I can say it’s a sight one does not forget. It also seems to me that when the spinner dolphins launch out of the water spinning and spinning that they are having a marvelous time.
The book also serves to educate on the various whales and dolphins for not all of them are as abundant as they were or should be. It’s fascinating to learn about the way they travel, bond, mate and give birth. I will look forward to looking through this book over and over again to relive my trips and rejoice in the magnificence of these creatures.
April 22, 2021
This amazing book caught my heart with the words in the introduction and the gorgeous photos told their own story without words. I love how Brian shares his experiences with such deep respect for these intelligent beautiful creatures.
I cried here and there because I'm an animal lover and even happy stories bring tears to my eyes. I actually think these were tears of wonder, joy, and appreciation for the beauty of the whales and also what Brian is doing to bring awareness to the complexity of these marvelous creatures. You can't help but be awed by the sense of family and the emotions he captured while visiting their world.
It seems fitting that I'm posting about this book on Earth Day as we need to bring attention to our role as guardians of this planet and our responsibility to respect the animals that inhabit it too.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I cried here and there because I'm an animal lover and even happy stories bring tears to my eyes. I actually think these were tears of wonder, joy, and appreciation for the beauty of the whales and also what Brian is doing to bring awareness to the complexity of these marvelous creatures. You can't help but be awed by the sense of family and the emotions he captured while visiting their world.
It seems fitting that I'm posting about this book on Earth Day as we need to bring attention to our role as guardians of this planet and our responsibility to respect the animals that inhabit it too.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2022
Such fantastic book (photographs)! Lots of hard work and touching stories inside.
June 8, 2021
I have not yet had the chance to watch the tv show of the same name but definitely will. Skerry makes it clear he is a photojournalist, not a scientist. His talent for photographing his subjects around the world is beautiful. I would love to see him publish a book on different dolphins as he included a couple lesser known species such as Pacific white-sided dolphins and northern right whale dolphins. While his prose sometimes anthropomorphized whales too much imo, I appreciated his inclusion about how different whales of the same species adapt their feeding, learn, and evolve depending where they live. His photograph of an Orca carrying her dead calf is heartwrenching and groundbreaking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2021
Some very beautiful photographs but it's terrible edited, font is huge and pictures overlap, sometimes you can't tell where one photo starts and another begins (not in a good way), there is a 2 pages blurry photo just to show how murky water was... and the author Is arrogant enough as to believe he knows what these magnificent animals are thinking and feeling. I preferred Paul Nicklen's. Maybe it's aimed for kids?
January 5, 2022
PERFECTION
July 29, 2021
Brian Skerry created this beautiful book with his sensitivities to these magnificent creatures. He has been photographing them for years. With his explanation of 6 different whale types and his fantastic photography makes for a perfect gift for those who love nature, especially whales, and want to know more. I love whales and received this for my birthday. So glad I did.
April 18, 2021
A stunning collection of spectacular, close-up photos of various species of whales and dolphins, combined with the author's personal anecdotes describing these incredible encounters. Looking forward to the TV series that accompanies this beautiful book!
May 8, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. The text was brief, to the point, informative and really taught e something about each group represented in the book. The photos were stunning. This book makes me think about the ices and those who live in it in a different way and more often.
July 19, 2021
If you are a fan of whales and photography this book is a must. Not only does it give you so much information about certain whale species but it is also incredible to look at. The pictures are so beautiful and some of them are so rare to see. I only wish it was longer!
July 11, 2021
The best book on whales I’ve read. It describes better and in more depth than other books with a storytelling style that keeps you engaged. Plus, the picture are amazing. What a great gift for a whale lover or a newbie to whales!
October 30, 2021
Magical, beautiful, new. This book is a truly magnificent accomplishment and describes a world I haven’t paid much attention to. The desire to protect these extraordinary animals, and the planet we share, is magnified after reading this book.
April 25, 2021
This beautiful book gives a diver's perspective to many types of whales. Their social lives, play, parenting and grieving are fascinating.
April 30, 2021
Beautiful book!! Love it
February 8, 2024
I enjoyed this book a lot because it talks both about the beauty of whales, and the struggles they face.
This book did a great job of including a great mix of photographs, captions, behind-the-scenes moments,
emotions, facts, and much more. While looking at the beautiful photographs and reading the detailed
captions, we can almost place ourselves in the spot of the photographer when he took those photos. As
our oceans slowly die and the whale populations with it, it is important to inform people why they are
dying, and what we are doing to negatively impact them. This book does a great job describing the history
of whaling up to the present moment. I enjoyed learning about the history of whaling because, yes, while
it is a sad topic, it gives us an idea of where whale populations were before we destroyed them. Anotherthing I love about this book is the quote “If we as humans love something, we’ll protect it.” I love this
quote from the author because it gives us an idea of a solution to how we can prevent not only whale
populations but other animal populations from being destroyed- we have to appreciate its beauty. This
book does an amazing job of showing the reader the beauty of the selected majestic species of whales
they wrote about and photographed. Another thing I liked about this book is the layout. Personally, I find
it difficult to read and comprehend non-fiction books if they have no pictures. This book,
however, has a great layout of a balance between photographs and their captions, facts, and stories.
Being able to look at the photographs I’m seeing allows me to picture what the author is describing and
talking about. I enjoyed being able to read a portion of the book and seeing photographs on the next
page. It made this book that much more meaningful and impactful. In conclusion, this book not only is
easy to read and has beautiful photographs, but it has an important message. If others read this book, I
hope they will be able to see just how important the topic of whaling is and why we as humans need to
end it.
This book did a great job of including a great mix of photographs, captions, behind-the-scenes moments,
emotions, facts, and much more. While looking at the beautiful photographs and reading the detailed
captions, we can almost place ourselves in the spot of the photographer when he took those photos. As
our oceans slowly die and the whale populations with it, it is important to inform people why they are
dying, and what we are doing to negatively impact them. This book does a great job describing the history
of whaling up to the present moment. I enjoyed learning about the history of whaling because, yes, while
it is a sad topic, it gives us an idea of where whale populations were before we destroyed them. Anotherthing I love about this book is the quote “If we as humans love something, we’ll protect it.” I love this
quote from the author because it gives us an idea of a solution to how we can prevent not only whale
populations but other animal populations from being destroyed- we have to appreciate its beauty. This
book does an amazing job of showing the reader the beauty of the selected majestic species of whales
they wrote about and photographed. Another thing I liked about this book is the layout. Personally, I find
it difficult to read and comprehend non-fiction books if they have no pictures. This book,
however, has a great layout of a balance between photographs and their captions, facts, and stories.
Being able to look at the photographs I’m seeing allows me to picture what the author is describing and
talking about. I enjoyed being able to read a portion of the book and seeing photographs on the next
page. It made this book that much more meaningful and impactful. In conclusion, this book not only is
easy to read and has beautiful photographs, but it has an important message. If others read this book, I
hope they will be able to see just how important the topic of whaling is and why we as humans need to
end it.
April 30, 2022
I loved this book. The author is a world expert on photographing and observing whales. He shows us up-close, intimate portraits of the trials, tribulations, antics, and strategies of many whales and dolphins. We get to see the animals as individuals.
All Baleen whales have two blowholes, and for right whales they are angled such that the whales spout a distinct “V”.
“Beluga beach” (or Cunningham inlet) is a sacred space where belugas raise their calves and play games with the rocks on the sea floor. Belugas love to swim upside down and are INCREDIBLY auditory (hence the huge melon to focus sounds); they stampede en masse when loud boats approach the inlet, taking many days to return. They have flexible necks and can turn and nod. They loved contorting their bodies and watching their reflection in the remote camera that was observing them.
Orcas have the longest gestation of any cetacean (15-18 months). One mother lost her calf and carried the body around with her for days, mourning.
For the intelligent and social sperm whales, ”Every day there comes a moment when the foraging stops.All the whales in a pod—three, four, up to a dozen— assemble in shallower water and socialize. Their aqua ballet can last for hours. They rub one another, rake their teeth across tails and backs, float, and talk—always talking, a click-click-click of whale chatter.”
In Alaska, fishermen built salmon hatcheries where they release young fish into a bay. But humpbacks have learned how to get the fish. Even though the release date varies every year depending on temperature and salinity, the humpbacks always seem to know when it’s time: they navigate through the shallow waters and eat all the young salmon. When predators are nearby, humpback mothers and calves quietly whisper to one another.
Some dolphins hunt by “shelling” or “conching”. They chase fish into a shell, carry the shell up to the surface, and dump the fish into their waiting mouths.
All Baleen whales have two blowholes, and for right whales they are angled such that the whales spout a distinct “V”.
“Beluga beach” (or Cunningham inlet) is a sacred space where belugas raise their calves and play games with the rocks on the sea floor. Belugas love to swim upside down and are INCREDIBLY auditory (hence the huge melon to focus sounds); they stampede en masse when loud boats approach the inlet, taking many days to return. They have flexible necks and can turn and nod. They loved contorting their bodies and watching their reflection in the remote camera that was observing them.
Orcas have the longest gestation of any cetacean (15-18 months). One mother lost her calf and carried the body around with her for days, mourning.
For the intelligent and social sperm whales, ”Every day there comes a moment when the foraging stops.All the whales in a pod—three, four, up to a dozen— assemble in shallower water and socialize. Their aqua ballet can last for hours. They rub one another, rake their teeth across tails and backs, float, and talk—always talking, a click-click-click of whale chatter.”
In Alaska, fishermen built salmon hatcheries where they release young fish into a bay. But humpbacks have learned how to get the fish. Even though the release date varies every year depending on temperature and salinity, the humpbacks always seem to know when it’s time: they navigate through the shallow waters and eat all the young salmon. When predators are nearby, humpback mothers and calves quietly whisper to one another.
Some dolphins hunt by “shelling” or “conching”. They chase fish into a shell, carry the shell up to the surface, and dump the fish into their waiting mouths.
April 30, 2022
Firstly, I have to applaud Brian and every animal photographer and researcher out there who spends their lifetime alongside animals, understanding their culture and behaviours. After reading this book, I feel the amount of passion and time spent at sea one needs to capture all the moments, to learn and be close to whales and to now share with the world.
This book depicts most likely only a small subset of all the exciting stories of Brian's journey. It covers right whales, beluga whales, orcas, sperm whales, humpback whales and dolphins. Until reading, I have learnt that some are more endangered than others, they each have totally different eating habits and ways to catch prey, how each communicates with their own kinds - like humpback using bubble nets!
It has also touched me in a way where I feel whales are just like humans. The way mother whales care and protect their calves, the emotions to mourn dead calves, the challenges of carrying babies for even over a year, and how the community of whales and families teach their young ones to adapt, learn, and grow.
And of course, all the photographs are amazing!
This book depicts most likely only a small subset of all the exciting stories of Brian's journey. It covers right whales, beluga whales, orcas, sperm whales, humpback whales and dolphins. Until reading, I have learnt that some are more endangered than others, they each have totally different eating habits and ways to catch prey, how each communicates with their own kinds - like humpback using bubble nets!
It has also touched me in a way where I feel whales are just like humans. The way mother whales care and protect their calves, the emotions to mourn dead calves, the challenges of carrying babies for even over a year, and how the community of whales and families teach their young ones to adapt, learn, and grow.
And of course, all the photographs are amazing!
June 16, 2024
I really hope there are more "Secrets of..." books coming! Like the Octopus and Elephant books, "Secrets of the Whales" has interesting, informative prose combined with absolutely beautiful photos. The author Brian Skerry is a photographer, so this one is more photos. He also included a Behind the Shot photo for each species, which I really enjoyed. Gorgeous book! Definitely pick it up if you enjoy whales or sea life.
March 6, 2025
The book is written by Brian Skerry. When you search, you will always get the results back with the famous Janes Cameron who wrote the foreword. Search engine optimization aside, this book had lovely photographs of different types of whales, their unique traits and the stories behind capturing these amazing pictures. Must read to understand how we knowingly destroy the seas and oceans.
November 1, 2025
I wish there was more information about each type of whale and more types of whales covered. I wish that if they really wanted to cover dolphins that they wouldn't all be lumped together.
Some of the photos are nice but some are really hard to make out.
I read Secrets of the Octopus before this one and I was expecting them to be more similar so I ended up disappointed.
Some of the photos are nice but some are really hard to make out.
I read Secrets of the Octopus before this one and I was expecting them to be more similar so I ended up disappointed.
March 23, 2022
Watched the TV series and liked it enough to purchase this book. These are just some gorgeous, awe-inspiring photos and stories that really draw you into the lives of these animals and make you want to know more. I loved it.
October 23, 2022
Delightful and fun but much too short. With a title like this, I was expecting a lot more exposition/information compared to visuals. Don't get me wrong—the photos were great. But, for a book talking about creatures of such sophisticated intelligence, it was incredibly light and surface-level.
May 27, 2024
Great book - light reading but the photographs of course are what the purpose of the book is. Skerry is an exceptional photographer and it was very interesting to see some species I was familiar with but especially those with which I was unfamiliar.
April 25, 2025
Outstanding book. Beautiful pictures! Discovered this one when cruising the non fiction shelves of the library with my kid. It held the attention of my world curious kid and I learned so much about whales!
September 12, 2025
Absolutely stunning photos. I loved the behind the shot information and the descriptions I just wish there was more information about the different whales. Also, hope was adorable and I loved hearing about her and digit
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews