In Pursuit of Giants: One Man's Global Search for the Last of the Great Fish (Seafaring America)

Timely, impressive in scope, and relevant in its crucial messages regarding man's unconscious ravaging of the sea's vital fish resources and destruction of the natural balance of the ocean's ecosystems, In Pursuit of Giants is more than expose; it is a moral imperative for humans to wake up and take action before it is much too late. Rather than a dry lecture in this regard, Rigney illustrates his points by taking you with him on a ride around the world, out on the open sea, giving you an adventure of a lifetime. But the book is so much more than an environmental statement or riveting stories about guys fighting with, losing, or catching big game fish.Rigney has the makings of one of the great story tellers, and he brings to life each person he meets, capturing their complexity, humor, and intensity, their own stories and dead-on insights - whether about life and humanity, the fish, or the industry in which they work. All the while, Rigney breathes fire into his every image of nature, described in dazzling, stunning flashes of language that never gets old. In one moment, you are with him on the boat, wide eyed and astounded by the Swordfish's power, its deadly sword, its guile to outwit any hunter and its courage to fight to the death. In another moment, which I won't spoil, Death literally has Rigney - momentarily - in the palm of Its hand. There are risks to this kind of quest - one which speaks about the author's guts to finish this five-year endeavor and then make it visceral.This book is at its heart the story of man who is seeking to confront and reveal his own essential nature, mirrored in the qualities of the wild, unpredictable ocean and its intriguing, mysterious, beautiful inhabitants. The deeper he seeks, the more is unveiled...man's predilection for darkness, ignorance and greed - counterbalanced by Rigney's own glimpses of Soul that are found, eye to eye and will to will with unspoiled, untamed beings. Rigney's reverence for Nature, his willingness to keenly observe what is hidden, his determination to dive below the surface of things, along with his down to earth, salty wit comes through clear as certain waters that mesmerize him. The book delivers, so alternately expect to be sitting on the edge of your seat, to laugh out loud, to experience the colorful world of the sea alight in a literary eloquence that sits on the pristine edge of poetry, all surrounding a real and direct wake up call.

As an avid sports fisherman, I found this book accurate and well written. Rigney has obviously done a tremendous amount of work and research on a subject he clearly loves. Although the interviews and references are great, his on-board descriptions give true color and action to an otherwise dull topic, except to fishing enthusiasts. My only complaint was his omission of two popular and threatened species, Gulf of Mexico Red and Gag Grouper and Chilean Sea Bass, (or more accurately Pantagonian Toothfish). In particular, I would have liked to read more about the challenges, validity, and accuracy of stock assesments, particularly when it comes to Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico grouper and American red snapper, both of which seem arbitrary and too subjective to political pressures. The forgotten story of Goliath Grouper is fascinating as well. At times, Rigney waxes sentimental about fish feeling pain, ( of which I take some issue); however, overall this is an excellent and thoroughly readable work which I could not put down.

I'm not a fisherman - nor a fisherwoman - but "In Pursuit of Giants" is a book for anyone looking for a quick-moving, exciting read full of riveting personal stories and passionate commitment to influence the survival of the giants of the sea. I had the privilege of reading part of the book previous to publication. Now I have in my hands the full copy and it is a gem! Matt's descriptions of the fishermen and places to which he traveled bring his story home to those of us sitting comfortably on our back porches. His ability to "paint the picture" with his writing, and his immense love of his "giants" add up to a glorious read. He asked the tough questions during his research and didn't flinch when approaching even the most disagreeable personalities along the way. In Matt's pursuit of excellence, he has shared with his fortunate readers his book, "In Pursuit of Giants."BEM, Vermont, USA

I've spent my life obsessed with the oceans. I've scuba dived on several continents. I've caught marlin, swordfish and shark. I've spearfished for my supper. And never has there been a book that manages to capture the power of the ocean, not the incredible creatures that dwell in its depths. Until now. Matt Rigney spent the last five years of his life on a quest to tell this great, untold story. With poignant, compelling and exquisite prose he takes the reader on a foam-flecked, ocean adventure with an important moral outcome. The seas as we know them are vast disappearing which is bad news for all mankind. Please read this timely and important book.

There have been very few books ever written as well as this book. Matt Rigney should be considered one of the greatest writers on fishing, environment, travelling, and all things related. This book was captivating and I did not want to put it down. I wished it was 3,000 pages! I hope he writes another soon. This book inspired me more than any other I have ever read. I have bought 4 copies to send to family and friends and I just read it for the 3rd time in 4 years.

I've not finished this book..About halfway through but it's writen so you can come back without loosing momentum. Good read..strong content..Good sound message with a bit of action. For me the author at times is somewhat too passionate however as an old fisherman and traveler for over fifty years I can appreciate his furor.

An awesome book, written for people who fish, not a bunch of terds who sit and analyze fisheries but have never even been on a boat...

Surprisingly a conservation and ecological plea for a change in man's fishing practices, combined with memories of experiences he would like to preserve. I bought a copy for my son in memory of fishing trips we've shared.

Great product

I thought it was #/=*&^$£5 pictures , Silly me!