Cousteau, the Captain and His World: The Captain and His World

Known best for his books, television specials and enviromental activism, Jacques Cousteau is also co-inventor of scuba-diving equipment, underwater vehicles and artificial islands. Yet at 79, he remains an elusive figure to the public. Munson ( America's Cup 1987 ) avers that Cousteau has rested on his laurels in recent years, drowning in his own legend, accepting compromises in the quality of his productions. While the films and books have increased the public's knowledge of the underseas world and the threats to it, neither Cousteau nor the Cousteau Society, according to Munson, has delivered on promises to protect the environment. The arguments presented cause the reader to conclude that although Cousteau is a man of great charm, a talented filmmaker and superb showman, he is not a scientist and less sensitive to environmental concerns than his public persona suggests. Photos not seen by PW. (Oct.)