[CINC] A book review...

[garydel at aol.com]

A recent book, Philip Hoare’s The Whale: In Search of theGiants of the Sea may provide some interesting reading for other CINCers.It did for me!
 
The author seems to approach his topic by entwining fourthemes. Whale facts, including biology, natural history, use and demise, focusprimarily on the sperm whale. But, there are enough references to other speciesto keep the title appropriate. 
 
The second theme is Moby Dick, the novel and the whale. Withthis, Mr. Hoare explores the symbolism of whales in history and the legendsthat developed from those that hunted them. These symbols and legends are oftenprovided by Ishmael, the sole survivor of the Pequod, who floated away from the ship and the whale on a coffin. 
 
The third theme seems to be Herman Melville himself as Mr.Hoare goes into some detail to describe his life, motives and psyche. On a fewoccasions I thought this was drifting too far from whales and becoming more ofa biographical essay. But even so, it was engaging and relevant.
 
The final theme is the author’s synthesis of the firstthree. He does this with some autobiography and with many personal reflectionson his own psyche, on whales, and his literary relationship with Ishmael andHerman Melville.
 
I enjoyed it, learned from it, and will recall it when onthe whale watch boats. I also want now to read Moby Dick again!



Gary Delanoeye


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