As a boy Philip Hoare was terrified of the water, only learning to overcome his fears and to swim as an adult. Bewitched by this experience he has become fascinated by the sea and all things in it but especially whales.
In his book Leviathan or, The Whale he explores the truths, myths and legends surrounding mans tortuous relationship with whales and how Herman Melville came to write Moby Dick based on his 1st hand experiences in the whaling industry,
Leviathan or, The Whale by Philip Hoare
Published in 2008
Publisher Fourth Estate
ISBN10 0007230133
ISBN13 978-0007230136