reviews by Bob Walch

June 2011 — Field Guide to Marine Mammals of the Pacific Coast (University of California Press, 584 pages, $24.95), by Sarah Allen, Joe Mortenson and Sophie Webb

“This handy interpretive field guide describes the 45 whales, dolphins, seals, and otters that are resident in, migrate through, or forage from Baja in Mexico to British Columbia in Canada,” says the University of California Press.

The authors provide details on identification, natural history, distribution and conservation. They also offer information on when, where and how these animals can best be viewed.

Before you get into the detailed and well-illustrated sections devoted to each species, you’ll discover introductory chapters addressing ecology, evolution and taxonomy of marine mammals plus information on the Pacific Coast’s unique environment. There’s also a section devoted to looking at the relationship between marine mammals and human cultures from native cultures to today.

With its 132 color illustrations, 22 color plates, 22 line illustrations and 45 maps, this comprehensive guide is all you will need when you head for the coast for a day of whale watching or just enjoying some offshore boating.

Poison: An Illustrated History (Lyons Press, 224 pages, $16.95), by Joel Levy

This lavishly illustrated paperback takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the mysterious world of potions, magical herbs and psychoactive preparations — substances at once alluring and terrifying.

From Greek philosophers to Russian spies, poisons have a long and colorful history. Not only can they kill, but in some instances they also are used to do everything from smooth wrinkles to calm the nerves and cure illnesses.

The author not only offers information about some of history’s most notorious poisoners and their victims, but he also explains the many roles lethal substances have played in history, culture, science, religion and medicine.

By the time you finish this book you’ll understand the difference between poisons, toxins and venom; you’ll also know the five stages of poisoning and what you should really do if a poisonous snake bites you.

Once you have read a few pages of Poison you’ll be addicted! Levy manages to make this subject so entertaining — and he augments the main text with so many unusual tidbits — that you’ll be a minor expert on the topic by the time you reach the final chapter.

“This book seeks to capture some of the complexity, to describe the manifold roles played by poison in history and culture, science and religion, medicine and murder.” Joel Levy