Spying on Whales: The Past, Present, and Future of Earth's Most Awesome Creatures

by Nick Pyenson
Spying on Whales: The Past, Present, and Future of Earth's Most Awesome Creatures cover
Good Books rating 4.19
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 6630
  • Added: 2025-11-27
  • Updated: 2025-11-28
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
slj.com · Unknown · 2025-12-10
excellent 4.50

Spying on Whales offers a captivating and accessible exploration of the world of whales, from their evolution to their current interactions with humans. The author, Nick Pyenson, blends fascinating facts with thrilling tales of expeditions, making it both informative and engaging.

Nick Pyenson, the Smithsonian's curator of fossil marine mammals, provides a compelling look into the intricate and fascinating world of whales. The book spans from the distant past, 50 million years ago, to the present and future, addressing what whales are, their evolution, and how they might change in the future. Pyenson's approach is far from dry; he presents facts as an adventure, weaving in details like the blue whale's extensive blood vessels into stories of his own and historical expeditions. These expeditions are not only exciting but sometimes dangerous, adding a layer of thrill to the scientific exploration. The book is ideal for both research and pleasure, offering a fast, fun, and informative read.

Quick quotes

    Pyenson treats facts the way he does life — as an adventure.

    Details such as blue whales having more than 300 million miles of blood vessels are woven into tales of his own and historical, exciting, sometimes dangerous expeditions in search of whales and whale fossils.

    A fast, fun, and informative read that is ideal for research and pleasure alike.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-12-10
informative 4.25

The book is praised for its fascinating insights into whales, though some found it slow-paced. It is informative and engaging, especially for those interested in marine life and paleontology. The author's personal stories and fieldwork add depth to the scientific content.

Readers have found 'Spying on Whales' to be a thoroughly engaging and informative exploration of these majestic creatures. The book is filled with fascinating details about whale biology, behavior, and evolution, making it a compelling read for anyone with an interest in marine life. Some reviewers noted that the pace can be a bit slow at times, but the depth of information and the author's personal anecdotes from fieldwork make up for it. The book also touches on the impact of human activities on whale populations, which resonated deeply with many readers, evoking a sense of urgency about conservation efforts. Overall, the book is seen as a valuable contribution to the understanding of whales and their place in the natural world, blending scientific rigor with an accessible and engaging narrative.

Quick quotes

    This is thorough without being overwhelming. I think you probably have to have some interest in whales to pick this up, but it isn't too technical for someone with no prior knowledge, and it's fun enough to read that it wouldn't be too tedious for someone less intensely interested in whales as I am.

    I liked it a lot, whales are cool. Informative.

    I wasn't sure what to expect, didn't really read the description, I was just looking for a nonfiction to learn about a new topic! I definitely learned a ton of cool whale facts.

beta.thestorygraph.com · Unknown · 2025-12-10
fascinating 4.50

The reviewer finds Spying on Whales to be a fascinating exploration of whale behavior and evolution, praising the author's engaging writing style and the wealth of information presented. They appreciate the blend of science and storytelling, making the book both educational and enjoyable.

Spying on Whales offers a captivating journey into the world of these magnificent creatures. The reviewer is impressed by the author's ability to convey complex scientific concepts in an accessible and engaging manner. The book delves into the past, present, and future of whales, providing a comprehensive look at their behavior, evolution, and the challenges they face. They particularly enjoy the blend of scientific research and personal anecdotes, which makes the book both informative and entertaining. The reviewer also appreciates the author's passion for the subject, which shines through in the writing. Overall, they find the book to be a valuable addition to the literature on marine life and a must-read for anyone interested in whales.

Quick quotes

    The author's passion for whales is infectious

    The blend of science and storytelling is masterfully done

    A fascinating exploration of whale behavior and evolution

researchgate.net · Unknown · 2020-01-06
informative 3.50

The book provides a fascinating exploration of whales, blending science, history, and personal anecdotes. It offers a unique perspective on these majestic creatures, though some may find the narrative style less engaging.

Spying on Whales takes readers on a journey through the past, present, and future of these incredible marine mammals. The author combines scientific research with personal stories, creating a rich tapestry of information. While the book is informative and well-researched, the narrative style may not appeal to everyone. The insights into whale behavior and the threats they face are particularly compelling, making it a worthwhile read for anyone interested in marine life. However, the pacing and storytelling techniques might feel a bit uneven, which could detract from the overall experience for some readers.

Quick quotes

    The book offers a unique blend of science and personal anecdotes.

    It provides a fascinating exploration of whales.

    The narrative style may not appeal to everyone.

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