ionate, and self-aware, and possess an advanced "soul." According to Taylor's definition, a soul enables a creature to be "aware of its life through the entire spectrum of its biosystems, coordinating those systems for uses other than survival." Cetaceans are perhaps the only other beings on Earth guided by their reflective minds and not by instinct alone.

Taylor backs up this claim with a plethora of scientific, historical and mythological anecdotes about dolphins and whales, tracking "The Legend of the Golden Dolphin" over millennia as this radiant and playful animal leaps in and out of the human experience-communicating across interspecies boundaries, coming to human aid, and taking a timeless and iconic position in human imagination. The great whales, singers of oceanic "songs," also have their role in human destiny, and Taylor's chapter on the whaling industry from the perspective of the awakening of human consciousness sheds new light on this shameful era of modern history.

Chapters on recent medical discoveries regarding therapy with dolphins, the astounding biological capabilities of cetaceans, and the relevance of certain current events further support the thesis that cetaceans have been and are continuing to be instrumental in the evolution of human consciousness and material progress.

Of particular interest is an opening section entitled "Extracts," modeled after Melville's snippets of quotable quotes in "Moby Dick". These pages are a veritable treasure trove of fantastic images, ideas, and hymns to the great ocean beings, sweeping over centuries of history and covering a wide range of sources.

"Souls in the Sea" is a journey through human history and into a future of greater respect for cetaceans (and all species). It is a provocative synthesis of fact and grounded speculation, recognizing that anyone who has ever experienced a close encounter with a live dolphin or whale senses that these creatures possess a special kind of awareness and unique abilities. Today as more and more autistic children and persons with physical disabilities look to Dolphin-Assisted Therapy for hope, we are seeing that, indeed, dolphins are not only aware of self and outer reality but are actually capable of healing others.

The author is an activist working to protect cetaceans globally, and this book covers new developments as the US military furthers its experiments with dolphins (learning from them how to best use sonar, and other projects). Another controversial topic that the author addresses with unusual new considerations is the heart-wrenching issue of captivity. Though many environmental groups are staunchly opposed to captivity in any form (including dolphin-assisted therapy), Taylor gives these well-intentioned people a new way to think about dolphin interactions. He himself had to go through a soul-searching dilemma to productively address this question and offer a solution.

By exploring the role of cetaceans in human history, "Souls in the Sea" sets the stage for commenting on our future, as the subtitle "Dolphins, Whales, and Human Destiny" suggests. Given the uncertainty and fear that pervade our world today, the practical answers and visionary approach presented by this book comprise a hopeful, creative, and positive response to the times. Taylor's discussions of Permaculture, environmentalism, and a new relationship with water offer meaty insights and real-world solutions. Such recommendations are more relevant than ever today.

Join Scott Taylor in a visionary quest through legend and history, science and story, as the Delphic Wave washes around the planet :

* Explore myths and lore from pre-history; the world of "Delphic" (Dolphin) Greece; Jesus the Dolphin; and the gradual disappearance of dolphins and whales from a position of respect and prominence in human history.

* Follow Taylor's argument that the slaughter of whales and dolphins in the modern era may actually be part of our collective awakening to compassion and the rights of other species. The birth of environmental activism and the "save the whales" movement are new chapters in the continually unfolding "Legend of the Golden Dolphin".

*Examine the evidence for teachings of self-awareness as part of the legacy of dolphin contact.

* Read about previously undocumented aspects of the pioneering interspecies communication efforts of Dr. John Lilly, and the work of others exploring the dolphin-human interface.

* Envision a future with humans and cetaceans relating peacefully and productively.

The destinies of human and cetacean are intertwined. By acknowledging whales and dolphins as the highly evolved beings that they are, we move closer to our own ultimate destiny. As Taylor writes in his closing pages, "All we need is to recognize the presence of Earth beings who have become harmless, unified in mind and heart, living lives of joyous celebration of our beautiful world. By modeling this basic truth, they present us with the undeniable possibility of our own destiny. They prove it can be done."

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Scott Taylor founded the Australian-based Cetacean Studies Institute, a research and educational organization that coordinates tours, trips to swim with dolphins, therapeutic opportunities, and storytelling adventures, as well as consulting on film, research, and educational projects. The Institute is also involved in ending global whaling permanently. Taylor's fascination with dolphins, and this book, are the result of his own hearing of the "Legend of the Golden Dolphin". He dedicates his life's work to learning more about cetaceans, protecting them, and creating appropriate facilities and opportunities for interaction. Taylor lives near Byron Bay, Australia, with his wife.

For further information, visit www.dolphintale.com , where additional evidence is presented in support of the thesis Taylor has developed, in hundreds of images, texts, sounds and video clips. Be prepared for a new vision of who the dolphins and whales are!

$19.95 ($32.95 Cdn), 330 pp., 6 x 9 ISBN: 1-58394-071-5, Nature/Psychology, March 2003

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