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General Shark Information
It's finally here -- THE
DEFINITIVE and COMPLETELY (yes, very literally) EXHAUSTIVE shark guide. I've
just picked up my copy and it still feels like a dream. As a serious shark
enthusiast, this is the book that I have always dreamed about but has never
existed, until now. If you're a shark enthusiast, it would be a tragedy not
to acquire this book. Here's why:
(1) There are lavish full color illustrations of every single species of
shark known today -- 404 described species and 49 as-yet-undescribed species
on 64 plates, each species in oblique view (not the usual profile shot),
giving invaluable information on its shape in 3 dimensions. In addition to
the most popular species (such as the great white or the blacktip reef
shark), the least well known are also included in this book, such as Deania
quadrispinosum or Etmopterus pusillus, or new species, such as Isistius
labialis or Somniosus antarcticus. There are 3 plates of 18 species of angel
sharks (Squatinidae)! All 5 species of Oxynotus are included! Nine species
of saw shark (Pristiophoridae)!
(2) All breath-takingly accurate illustrations are by the same artist,
ensuring consistent style. Mark Dando is among the most accomplished of
shark artists; his attention to detail is truly astounding. As a
discriminating and accomplished fellow natural history artist, I know what
I'm talking about. Having said that, please understand that the
illustrations chosen for the cover, while wonderfully accurate, are not
representative of the exquisite skill demonstrated in his illustrations of
more colorful species, such as the ornate wobbegong (Orectolobus ornatus).
Therefore, at the risk of sinking in the mire of cliche, I nevertheless urge
you not to judge this book by its cover!
(3) The work is truly exhaustive, not only in the number of species
depicted. Where there is sufficient variation within a species, additional
color illustrations depict sexual dimorphism, juvenile forms and races. All
species are presented to scale with each other and a scale bar is provided
for easy size comparisons.
(4) For those with a taste for the traditional practice of depicting sharks
in profile line drawings, the illustrator satisfies in the textual portion
of the book. Again, every single species is beautifully presented in a fine
ink line drawing from the side (or from the top in angel sharks and saw
sharks). With every species is included a detailed range map, and for most
species the teeth are also illustrated. For many, the ventral view of the
head is also presented.
(5) The text reads like a field guide, providing detailed notes on the
measurements, distinguishing features, distribution, habitat, behavior,
biology and status of each species, written by leading authorities on
sharks. It even includes a checklist at the end so that shark watchers can
record their sightings in the field.
I am completely confident that no shark enthusiast will be disappointed in
this book. Seriously folks, the editorial review provided by the publisher
for this book underestimates its worth. It's truly a gem and will probably
remain the definitive reference and the ultimate field guide for a long,
long time. sharks, shark diving, shark fishing, shark gifts, great white,
mako, blue sharks, hammer head, bull shark, tiger shark, jaws, shark movies,
shark books,
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From Library Journal
Just when you thought it was safe to go back into your science
stacks comes a second major title on "the most frightening" but
"most misperceived creature on earth," the great white shark. Like
Richard Ellis and John E. McCosker's Great White Shark ( LJ 12/91),
this book foregoes the tabloid stories of the great white's
occasional use of people as an entree and concentrates purely on the
scientific. Essentially a lengthy report on a series of experiments
conducted by Cousteau and his team aboard the research vessel
Alcyone off the coast of Australia, this work uses the same formula
as those of Cousteau's father (e.g., Jacques Coustea: Whales , LJ
12/88). The text is accompanied by many simply gorgeous photographs
of the awesome white that will make you glad you live on land.
(These fish are so scary-looking they're afraid of each other!).
Like Ellis and McCosker's title, this book offers enough scientific
data to please the armchair ichthyologist but is also accessible to
the casual reader. Cousteau and the great white shark are a winning
combination that will be popular in all public libraries.
- Michael Rogers, "Library Journal"
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers
to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Book Description
Here is the story, in words, photographs, and drawings, of a
two-and-a-half-year expedition to the south coast of Australia. The
Cousteau team-including scientists, divers, cameramen, and
sailors-studied the behavior and biology of the much-feared but
little-known great white shark. Myths and lore about the great white
are dispelled, leaving an indelible image of a powerful predator of
the seas.
125 illustrations in full color, 9 x 113/4"
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Shark Gifts
NOVA Online | Island of the Sharks
Sharks of Hawaii
Sharks
sharks
THE GREAT WHITE SHARK
 
Photos Copyright Randi Eisen 2004
 National Geographic Shark Surfari!
Sea World-Sharks
Shark Gallery
Monterey Bay Aquarium-Sharks
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The
Shark Guide
