Erich Hoyt is Research Fellow with Whale and Dolphin Conservation and founder/co-director of the Far East Russia Orca Project in Kamchatka. Author of 23 books, he co-chairs the IUCN Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force. Hoyt lives with his family in Bridport, Dorset.
[Review of previous edition: ] There is nothing wildlife needs more urgently than truth, for once people understand, people will act with preserved habitat, protective legislation, the tools of conservation. Erich Hoyt tells the truth about the orca in his fascinating book Orca: The Whale Called Killer. It is in itself a conservation tool. Required reading.--Roger Caras ABC-TV News [Review of previous edition: ] An enchanting story of adventure and discovery, one told with style, insight, charm and thoroughness.--Akron Beacon Journal [Review of previous edition: ] A well-written, balanced account ... interspersed in the story are excellent summaries of our current knowledge about orca attacks, feeding behavior and hearing acuity. Aside from maps and photos, 8 well-referenced appendixes and a 14-page bibliography make it an important reference source for scientists.--Edward Mitchell, Arctic Biological Station [Canada Canadian Geographic [Review of previous edition: ] An engaging picture of the life of killer whales ... Hoyt's style is easygoing and comfortable, and as well organized as it is informative.--Cleveland Plain Dealer [Review of previous edition: ] An intensely personal account....Scientific, political, and historical details are woven into a highly readable narrative...thorough appendixes, lengthy bibliography. Recommended.--Library Journal [Review of previous edition: ] Monumental achievement...the best whale book in years.--Ronn Patterson Oceans [Review of previous edition: ] I have never read a better book on whales, partly because Hoyt writes so well ... The developing relationship between the whale-watchers and these magnificent mammals makes absorbing reading ... The book contains valuable scientific and historical appendixes and an excellent index ... Don't miss it!--Philadelphia Inquirer [Review of previous edition: ] Superb ... A fine story of adventure ... One of the best nature books of the year.--Publishers Weekly [Review of previous edition: ] A fine record of observations accumulated by patience and cautious persistence...presented somewhat in diary form of the summers with the whales, and interwoven with facts....The result is a well-compounded blend of close-up nature observation, scientific knowledge, and history. Bonuses are interesting asides on the scenery and wildlife, the lumbering, salmon fishing, and the local flavor of northern Vancouver Island. Hoyt's theme is preserve killer whales in their natural environment. He makes a good argument for it.--Elizabeth N. Shor, Scripps Institute of Oceanograp San Diego Union Tribune