Cousteau: The Unauthorized Biography

Library Journal

This is the first biography of Cousteau since Genie Iverson's study for young people ( Jacques Cousteau, Putnam, new ed. 1976.) It is an engaging account of a man who, by following the tradition of 19th-century ocean explorers, led the way in cinematic popularization of ocean ecology. The many facets of Cousteau's life are noted, from his inventions (the aqualung, underwater habitats) to the development of his particular style of expedition. Madsen also looks at the man and what drives himwithout skirting sensitive issues. Among these are the less attractive aspects of Cousteau's personality and his difficulties with his family. Unfortunately, Madsen discusses these interesting topics only briefly. Cousteau: a biography is too short to cover comprehensively such a long, fascinating life. Susan Klimley, Columbia Univ. Libs.