Homo Delphinus: The Dolphin Within Man

by Jacques Mayol

Jacques Mayol is the world famous diver. This book holds appeal for divers, laymen, romantics, and dolphin lovers alike, regarding man s spiritual connection to the sea. This limited edition coffee-table size book includes more than 300 pictures of historical and geographical interest, many from the rich personal archives of Mr. Mayol. Mayol was the first man to dive at 330 feet (100 meter), during a program of experimental and medical research in deep breath hold diving. Diving the way dolphins do, with one breath, defying the predictions of physiologists. When he was 56 years old he plunged 344 feet deep (105 meters). He developed his physical performance with Yoga and an intimate knowledge of oriental philosophies.

361 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Orinoco Womble (tidy bag and all) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Beautiful photographs, it would make a good "coffee table book", but the author presents too many of his own ideas and personal philosophies and stuff he likes as "scientific fact." I am no expert, but even I know he stretches the bow quite a bit in places (chapter Seven being one tooth-rasping example). His grasp of biological facts is tenuous in spots as well, in spite of his self-vaunted "research". Opinions are not facts. When speaking of his many records for free diving, he is not above being extremely waspish about his rival, Enzo Maiorca, while pretending to praise his "dear friend." If M. Mayol were a woman, such behaviour would be called catty.

The book was obviously victim of a chain translation, from the original French to Italian and then to English...by someone who apparently has little or no knowledge of French. Given the appearance of blunders such as the words "mass eve" instead of "massive" (which is the same in French and English) along with several dreadful errors in punctuation and spelling, I'd say that a freshly proofread English edition would be in order.

I am told by one of Mayol's fans that he committed suicide when he realised that due to age and health issues he could no longer dive among his beloved dolphins as he was used to doing...apparently all his philosophy, yoga and meditation didn't help him accept the facts and limitations of human existence. So read it, certainly, but don't take it as the last, or indeed the only, word on the subject.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who wants to know more about mayol (subject of the movie The Big Blue) or free diving this is a great window into him and his beliefs

[Steven Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

The previous one-star review would be a pretty boring read with all your grandeur claims as if you knew it all... and let me guess you don't, shame diving it's like that you get a little bit of knowledge in something and act like one knows it all. Diving is a very basic thing there is a lot more to it than just your basic knowledge, it is a constant learning curve. This is just one person's experiences and knowledge on the subject matter. But it's nice to post your fancy reviews of knowledge when it's just boring opinions. Your review should be one star if that. Also, a lot of Buddhists kill themselves in various ways throughout history. not to say it's even a mental disorder it's his life to do what he wants with it to reach the next stage. And seem more budda-like than not, to close a door and another opens. But that's his business, isn't it?

The movie about the same person was good great scenery not a lot of dialog which is great, good cast. Roseanna is of course hot but the dolphin pay for anyone fascinated by them was awesome. Defiantly piques the interest of anyone diving.

[Ivan Stoikov - Allan Bard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book about free diving, without the help of anything else but a water mask and flippers! There are many interesting facts, though I guess not everything in it is proven or seems true...