How to Speak Whale

How to Speak Whale by Tom Mustill is a captivating exploration of the deep sea and the cutting-edge science of interspecies communication. The book delves into the author's own transformative journey, sparked by a near-death encounter with a whale that forever altered his perspective. Mustill, a renowned wildlife filmmaker, was kayaking when a breaching whale crashed near him, an experience that led him to become deeply fascinated with the giants of the ocean. Mustill embarks on an extraordinary investigation that traverses the realms of marine biology, linguistics, animal behaviour, and cutting-edge technology. He seeks to uncover what it would take to actually communicate with whales and ponders whether we are prepared for what they could reveal. His quest introduces readers to pioneering scientists and researchers who are at the forefront of understanding whale communication. The author’s engaging narrative and personal anecdotes bring to life the challenges and triumphs of this groundbreaking research.

How to Speak Whale is not merely a scientific exploration; it is also a philosophical inquiry into the nature of language and communication. Mustill raises thought-provoking questions about what language means and the potential implications of decoding the mysteries of whale communication for humanity.

The book has received widespread acclaim from notable figures:

Fascinating – Greta Thunberg

Extraordinary – Merlin Sheldrake

A must-read – New Scientist

Enthralling – George Monbiot

Brilliant – Philip Hoare

Mustill’s ability to weave personal narrative with cutting-edge science makes How to Speak Whale an enthralling read. The true-life adventure and the revelations about our fellow sentient beings are compelling and pivotal, promising to leave readers inspired.

More Praise for How to Speak Whale:

“One of the most exciting and hopeful books I have read in ages” – Sy Montgomery, author of The Soul of an Octopus

“A narrative that will expand your concept of language and deepen your understanding of the many ways there are to be alive… It left me inspired” – Merlin Sheldrake, author of Entangled Life

“A must-read… a hugely engaging personal story of a journey into the future of human-animal communication facilitated by delving into its past” – New Scientist

“Fascinating and deeply humane” – Greta Thunberg

“A rich, enthralling, brilliant book that opens our eyes and ears to worlds we can scarcely imagine” – George Monbiot, author of Regenesis

“Tantalising… Think how transformative it would be if we could chat with whales about their love lives or their sorrows or their thoughts on the philosophy of language” – Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker

Readers of How to Speak Whale will find themselves not only fascinated by the scientific details but also deeply moved by the profound implications of interspecies communication. This book is a call to expand our perspective and engage with the natural world in new and unprecedented ways.