Douglas Faulkner decided to self publish the text Of Manatees and Man because his coffee table book of the same name was not being accepted for publication by the book publishers. The full color version was deemed too expensive, and its comprehensive text was considered too grim for a coffee table book. The manatees are facing extinction in Florida Waters. The book is compiled of facts, not fantasy. Faulkner believes the text is too important a document about manatees overwhelmed by pesticides, people, pollution and power boats not to publish it as a book in itself: even if this abbreviated version ruins his chances for publishing a full format edition. Manatees are living beings and Faulkner didn’t want to let matters ride.