Encyclopedia of Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises

Signed copies available from Erich Hoyt Books.

Popular book written for ages 10 to adult with 400+ state-of-the-art photos and illustrations. High quality large format paperback with flaps. Firefly Books, US, Canada, UK. Updated 2nd edition, October 2023, bibliography, index, 10 x 10 inches, 300 pages. ISBN-10:0228104351; ISBN-13:978-0228104353.
Japanese edition in preparation from National Geographic Japan, publishers.

Prepare to smell whale breath and get rather wet. Witness courtship and mating practices and family relationships in the Encyclopedia of Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises. Award-winning author and Whale and Dolphin Conservation Research Fellow Erich Hoyt takes readers into the field for a whale watcher’s eye view of some 93 species of cetaceans that make their homes in the world ocean.

Drawing on decades of firsthand experience as a participant in the current revolution in cetacean studies, Hoyt provides unique insights into the life histories of these compelling marine mammals. and the lifelong bonds among some family members. Meet the symphonic composers of the whale world—the humpback whales, with their complex 30-minute songs.

Hoyt’s latest book not only has insightful stories and the latest data on whales, dolphins and porpoises but provides an impassioned argument supporting the need for international protection of at-risk populations and their increasingly damaged habitat. This book offers readers a chance to participate in the debate about how best to make a future for these remarkable marine creatures.

“Whales, dolphins, and porpoises make up the class of social mammals known as cetaceans. Hoyt (research fellow, Whale and Dolphin Conservation; Creatures of the Deep) draws on more than 40 years of scientific interactions with these intelligent and fascinating creatures. Stunning images from principal photographer Brandon Cole and others, along with depictions by marine mammal illustrator Uko Gorter, enliven the text. Hoyt writes movingly on life cycles, the future for these animals, and how readers can get involved in protecting them. Verdict: For patrons of all ages.” — Maggie Knapp, Library Journal

“Despite its name, the Encyclopedia of Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises is no dry, encyclopedic tome. Instead, Erich Hoyt’s 300-page labor of love for all things cetacean focuses on stories of more than 90 species of wild whales, dolphins, and porpoises, with over 300 photographs and illustrations. Hoyt draws on his decades of experience studying and writing about cetaceans, and has created an excellent up-to-date resource with the latest insights into our understanding of cetaceans. Hoyt explains his vision for the book in this trailer.” — Hakai Magazine

“5 Stars: My excitement at this book’s arrival was shared by my children…I’ve been a fan of Hoyt’s work since I was almost a child myself and found a copy of ‘Orca’ in the village library, and he’s at least partly to blame for my own cetacean obsession. The vivid descriptions of playing music with killer whales have stayed with me ever since, set me dreaming….Hoyt’s clear, engaging writing has taken me on many astonishing journeys – to the complex society of ants in the rainforest, to the bizarre creatures of the deep oceans and to encounters with whales and dolphins throughout the world. For Erich has spent his working life immersed in the world of whales and this book brings together the wealth of knowledge, experience and wisdom he has gathered in his travels. It covers human-whale relationships, from Aristotle’s observations through the whaling days to the recent ‘revolution’ in research, in which he’s played an integral part. He then takes us through the basics of whale biology, before introducing all 90 known species. It’s incredibly comprehensive, and I guess that’s what an encyclopedia is, but to me the word doesn’t do justice to the richness of the narrative. There’s a story here, of the relationship between people and whales – one of the most beguiling and critical stories still unfolding on this blue planet. It’s shot through with personal experience, and we’re introduced to individual characters, both human and cetacean. This book will be an invaluable resource and up-to-date reference for anyone working in wildlife issues, and a treasured source of information and inspiration for the whole family. It’s set us all dreaming…” — Anna Levin, Naturalist, Author

“Whale researcher Hoyt (Creatures of the Deep) provides readers with a vivid and informative introduction to the big splashy world of cetaceans. The encyclopedia highlights intriguing cetacean details….The author examines the controversy regarding the slaughter of some whale species to near extinction and the growth of the international conservation movement over the past 50 years. Hoyt persuasively argues that there is an urgent need to globally protect whales and their environment….The final chapter includes illustrations and fact boxes for all 90 cetaceans. There is enough scientific detail to make this an excellent reference book, and the beautiful color photos will also give it plenty of appeal for casual readers.” — Publishers Weekly

“Required reading…beautifully illustrated.” — Featured title in Canadian Geographic Travel Newsletter

“This latest book by renowned cetacean researcher Erich Hoyt enters a crowded marketplace. Is there room for another? The answer is an emphatic yes, as this comprehensive treatment of the world’s cetaceans is detailed, informative, and well-illustrated — with a host of excellent photographs and accurate illustrations in the species accounts.” — BBC Wildlife

“Marine researcher and conservationist Hoyt… introduces readers to the field of cetaceans with this eye-catching and appealing work. Beginning with…the intertwined history of whales and humans, the book’s following sections provide context on methods of research at sea and…the basic biology (anatomy, migration, social behavior, and more) of cetaceans. Thought-provoking questions peppered throughout the text on topics such as invasive research tools and recent whale strandings will help to keep the reader engaged…The attractive layout features dazzling photos on almost every page spread. The book concludes with a list of ways individuals can get involved as citizen scientists…An accessible volume for school and public libraries.”  — Maren Ostergard, Booklist

“A superb, thorough and beautifully illustrated reference book Encyclopedia of Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises by Erich Hoyt, Firefly Books…[is] ideal for anybody of any age.”  — School Library Association

Awarded Top Choice, number one on the list of the ten best encyclopedias based on scanned reviews.