United States
£ GBP
In The Magic of Dolphins Dr Horace Dobbs, 'The Dolphin Man', describes some of his remarkable encounters with wild dolphins. Tracing the interaction of man with dolphins from the earliest times, he brings us up-to-date with a new chapter on the work of 'Operation Sunflower', the project through which the clinically depressed are introduced to dolphins, and the resulting profound effect on the patients. In a second new chapter, the author shares with the reader his experience of at Monkey Mia in Australia, where a family of dolphins swim into the beach each day, and have brought gifts of fish to humans.
Dr Dobbs communicates his passion and enthusiasm for his subjects, with their magic quality of bringing peace and calm, allied with a strong sense of humour and fun and an ability to live at peace with their environment. He draws attention to the threats facing dolphin populations and his concern for their conservation.
The book gives detailed information on sightings of dolphins around the British Isles, including Riff Bank on the Moray Firth, Solva in Wales, the Isle of Man, the River Amble in Northumberland, Porteath in Cornwall and Dingle in Co Kerry. It is also illustrated throughout with superb colour and black and white photographs which were awarded a gold medal in 1986 at the Athens International Festival of Underwater Films and Photography.
Prelude: A Boy on a Dolphin
1. The Nature of Dolphins
2. Evolution of Dolphins
3. Dolphins Around the World
4. The Life of a Dolphin
5. Dolphin Intelligence
6. Saved by Dolphins
7. Some Famous Dolphins
8. Breaking the Bond
9. Dolphin Link
A pioneer in underwater photography and film making, Horace Dobbs is the founder and director of International Dolphin Watch, an organisation for the study and conservation of dolphins. When not swimming with dolphins, he travels all over the world lecturing and giving film presentations about his work. His numerous radio and television programmes have made him well-known throughout the country.
"... this absorbing and informative book about the author's remarkable encounters with dolphins. Dobbs ably demonstrates how much happiness they can bring. Illustrated throughout with an award-winning collection of colour and black-and-white photographs."
- The Good Book Guide
"Horace Dobbs, 'the Dolphin Man', shares his enthusiasm and knowledge in The Magic of Dolphins. All known aspects of these peaceful, intelligent, fun-loving creatures are described. The author tells of various survey projects that will appeal particularly to the young – as will this lucidly presented, handsomely illustrated book."
- Church Times
"Dr Dobbs' book is full of information and would be excellent for the classroom."
- The Universe
"This book, finely illustrated with black and white and colour photographs, is a combination of personal testimony, scientific information, folklore and pleading. This book attempts to show that there is a link between man and the dolphins, a link which transcends natural mammatry. In this the author has succeeded. On the whole this small book is economic of word, solid in its scientific presentation, beautiful in concept and thundering in impact. Once read, it will not be forgotten. You can always tell an author who lives and loves his subject, Horace Dobbs is one."
- Tide
"... colorful, well-illustrated, informative book ..."
- Science Books and Films
"The marvellous story of man's association with dolphins throughout the world. This is a new edition of a most delightful little book, first published in 1984. A good account, I would recommend it."
- Ulster Newsletter
"The author has shared an exciting photographic chronicle of dolphin behavior. He has shared pictures of art and sculpture as expressions of human emotional responses...he goes into fascinating scientific details ...The flowing emotional text captures the extra-special relationship between the dolphin and humans since the beginning of recorded history. Very tactfully the author treats the subject of the conservation of our sea animals. Readers will find helpful addresses and information about organizations. Dobbs conveys the complex world of the dolphins while using an easy-to-read vocabulary. Highly recommended."
- Voice of Youth Advocates
"Horace Dobbs Monsieur Dauphins décrit quelques-unes de ses plus belles rencontre avec les dauphins á l'état sauvage, et attire l'attention du lecteur sur la nécessité de protéger ces espéces. D'excellentes photographies agrémentent cet ouvrage."
- Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle
