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How to Speak Whale

A Voyage into the Future of Animal Communication

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How to Speak Whale

By: Tom Mustill
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About this listen

‘Fascinating’ Greta Thunberg ‘Extraordinary’ Merlin Sheldrake ‘A must-read’ New Scientist ‘Enthralling’ George Monbiot ‘Brilliant’ Philip Hoare

THIS REVOLUTIONARY AUDIOBOOK FEATURES PREVIOUSLY UNHEARD BLUE WHALE VOICES, DOLPHIN ORCHESTRAS AND SOUNDBATHS FROM BENEATH THE SEA.

Wildlife filmmaker Tom Mustill had always liked whales. But when one breached onto his kayak, nearly killing him, he became obsessed.

This book traces his extraordinary investigation into the deep ocean and the cutting-edge science of animal translation.

What would it take to speak with a whale? Are we ready for what they might say?

MORE PRAISE FOR HOW TO SPEAK WHALE

‘One of the most exciting and hopeful books I have read in ages’ SY MONTGOMERY, AUTHOR OF THE SOUL OF AN OCTOPUS

‘A narrative that will expand your concept of language and deepen your understanding of the many ways there are to be alive … It left me inspired’ MERLIN SHELDRAKE, AUTHOR OF ENTANGLED LIFE

‘A must-read … a hugely engaging personal story of a journey into the future of human-animal communication facilitated by delving into its past’ NEW SCIENTIST

‘Fascinating and deeply humane’ GRETA THUNBERG

‘A rich, enthralling, brilliant book that opens our eyes and ears to worlds we can scarcely imagine’ GEORGE MONBIOT, AUTHOR OF REGENESIS

‘Tantalizing … Think how transformative it would be if we could chat with whales about their love lives or their sorrows or their thoughts on the philosophy of language’ ELIZABETH KOLBERT, NEW YORKER

Biological Sciences Engineering Environment Nature & Ecology Outdoors & Nature Science Conservation Thought-Provoking Inspiring
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This book has so many fascinating insights into animal communication, especially amongst cetaceans. it does highlight lots of our problematic history with Whales, from whaling and animal captivity to the problematic mindsets that even scientists are not immune to. However, it also showcases much of the efforts to use science to help these animals.

I highly recommend the audio book because you will be treated to some of the sounds of these wonderful animals.

it's a book I have shared snippets from with my friends and family and will probably gift. if I am truthful, I am a bit rubbish at sticking with books to the end. This one I did and will certainly return to.

The book highlights the importance of emotional connection with our Wild kin. We protect what we care about. At the time of writing this review, Whales are being used by Humans to fish for Krill on an industrial level. The Krill are their food and food for many other species, including seabirds such as Penguin and Albatross. I hope that this has ceased by the time you read this, but please do search for the ways you can help our marine ecosystems and all who inhabit them. This book is a wonderful reminder that Humans can be a force for good too.

Fascinating and essential listening

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The sound balance was a little off - the spoken narration was much, much louder than the marine recordings, which made it hard to listen to the latter. This was especially noticeable during the sound bath. But the actual writing and story was good (if a tiny bit repetitive at times)!

Sound balance a little off

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This book will make you think of our species, our arrogance and the ease with which we claim and overuse whatever we need. or want.
On the other hand, this book will teach you a lot about whales, their languages and their societies.
Definitely worth a listen!

Beautiful and informative

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A wonderful book which is both educational and enchanting. Anyone interested in Nature will enjoy this book. I am looking forward to further developments in mammal and human communication in the years ahead.

Educational & Enchanting

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A wonderful voyage. I read the paper book before, but enjoyed this even more because it truly brought the conversations alive.

Entrancing and evocative

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