Subjects / Whales and dolphins
Best books to learn Whales and dolphins, in order
The literature on cetaceans splits into three genres that are usually shelved together and should not be read together: popular natural history, which is where the good writing is; field guides, which exist to tell you what you are looking at and are not read but consulted; and the actual marine mammal science, which is technical and expensive.
Reading paths for whales and dolphins
Best Books on Whales and Dolphins, in Reading Order
Beginner14books162 hrs4 stages
Popular whales and dolphins books
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
- How should I approach learning whales and dolphins?
- The literature on cetaceans splits into three genres that are usually shelved together and should not be read together: popular natural history, which is where the good writing is; field guides, which exist to tell you what you are looking at and are not read but consulted; and the actual marine mammal science, which is technical and expensive.
- What's a good book to start whales and dolphins with?
- A strong starting point is Leviathan, or, The whale by Philip Hoare. The ordered reading paths above show exactly where it fits and what to read next.