I expect that you like me have been excited on holiday somewhere by the sea, by the sight of dolphins or porpoises, or even a whale. But usually there has simply been the cry, "Look, dolphins!" Now, with this publication, there is an excellent reference book to enable the lucky watchers, or the determined hunters on their way to Spain or Brittany, to identify properly any or all of the 27 species recorded in the European Atlantic.

The authors are professional conservationists who have a great deal of first hand experience watching and studying cetaceans (read chapter 4 for a definition, and other sections for useful tips on finding and identifying them).

The main section of the book is a very helpful, illustrated guide to all 27 species. Two species per page are described, under the headings identification, similar species, behaviour, status and distribution. On the facing page are colour photos of those species. The photos have been produced digitally and this has resulted in some stunning, creative pictures - for example, the "photo" of killer whales is actually a composite of three photos by three different photographers, but the reproduction is so good you cannot see the joins!

A page of credits lists photographer, place and date for each photo. Some of the species have never had photos published of them before. Besides the photos, each species is illustrated by a distribution map and a black and white drawing showing the proportion of the animal that is normally out of the water and the amount below the surface when it is cruising at the surface. Finally, there is a two-page spread in colour showing the surfacing sequences of seven of the larger whales. The status section is detailed enough to be invaluable in enabling the whale watcher to judge the rarity or otherwise of his or her sighting. For example, up to the time of publication, there are only two records of False Killer Whales in the Bay of Biscay, in October 1997 and August 1998, both seen from the ferry!

Although the book has only 56 pages and may seem expensive, it is pocket sized (210 x 150mm), and is fully cased with a flexible cover. It should stand up to travel well - which is when it is meant to be used.

To try to sort out any exciting sightings I have had from the coast or from the "Scillonian" I have had to rely on a book describing simply all the sea mammals of the world. I think that now I shall be much better off. So will everyone who travels in the Bay of Biscay, the Western Approaches and the English Channel - as long as he or she has a copy of this new book.

Have you sat below the lighthouse at Skokholm or overlooked the Garland Stone on Skomer, or been aboard the Dale Princess and been moved by the brief views of a fin, a back possibly, or even a whole animal leaping clear of the water? Such glimpses are marvellous, inspirational, exciting events, but then comes the question. What was it? A dolphin? A porpoise? Did someone else watching even mention a whale?

Now comes a splendid guide to help both the cliff-top watcher and all those who go down to the sea in ships. With Whales and Dolphins of the European Atlantic to hand there will be a much greater chance of putting a name to the animal you have seen. Although aimed at the English Channel, Brittany and the Bay of Biscay the 27 species of whales, dolphins and porpoise described, have occurred or are likely to occur, in West Wales waters. In recent years there has been a tremendous growth of interest in these mysterious animals, the new guide will surely take this much further forward.

The innovative use of digital technology has enabled publication of a remarkable series of photographs, indeed this easy to use and attractively produced book is surely worth purchasing for these alone. One knows only too well that for the most part how little shows above the surface. Here again the book is helpful providing as it does very attractive sketches both within the text and at the end papers. Short but informative texts including identification features, comparisons with similar species, behaviour and distribution make this an eminently attractive and informative book. With this in your rucksack watching from our islands will have a whole new dimension and hopefully many additional records will be submitted.

Provides the first comprehensive photographic guide to the cetaceans of the European Atlantic, covering all 27 living species recorded. The text covers the key identification features of each species, emphasising the differences between similar species, and includes information on status, behaviour and distribution. The colour plates depict typical views of cetaceans at sea and have been produced using the latest digital image technology and include images of some species never previously published. Colour distribution maps accompany the text for each species.