Stephen Martin: The Whale's Journey

By MARGIE WILSON

Having decimated the population of humpback whales, humans (many of them) are now intent upon saving the remainder.

In his highly readable tribute to these graceful giants, Martin traces the annual migration of humpback whales from the freezing Southern Oceans, where they go to feed in the summer months, to the subtropical seas north of the south-western Pacific where they mate and give birth. He examines the role of humans in the whales' demise and repopulation, addressing the activities of whalers, scientists and legislators.

Some of the history is harrowing and, while Martin doesn't write in an overtly judgmental way, one shrinks at the butchery practised on these creatures. But best of all is the way in which he brings his main subjects, the whales, to life. His descriptions of whale song, or the tenderness of a cow with her new calf, are extraordinarily moving.

Allen & Unwin

$39.95