Floating Gold: A Natural (and Unnatural) History of Ambergris - Christopher Kemp

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Résumé :
An entertaining and lively history that covers ambergris--a digestive byproduct from whales that is in most perfumes and one of the world's most expensive substances. Kemp presents an informative account of the natural history of whales, squid, ocean ecology, and the perfume industry.

Biographie:
Christopher Kemp is a molecular biologist who currently lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with his wife and two sons. He has worked as a columnist for Cincinnati CityBeat, and his science writing has appeared on Salon.

A compelling narrative, a detective story, and a wonderful window into history and obsession, Floating Gold has struck a rich oceanic seam. With its mixture of scientific rigor, evocative travelogue, and eccentric personalities, Kemp's book finally uncovers the secrets of this elusive and extraordinary stuff. His book lingers like the smell of ambergris itself. -Philip Hoare, author of The Whale