The Shark Almanac: A Fully Illustrated Natural History of Sharks, Skates, and Rays [Paperback]

Thomas B. Allen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2003

Sharks have a reputation of being the most feared creatures of the sea, and in this fantastic book, we learn the myths and facts of these fascinating animals--and that they aren't as deadly as they seem. Of the more than 850 shark species, 80 percent either would not hurt people, or would rarely encounter them.
Sharks and their kin--skates and rays--have remained essentially unchanged for hundreds of millions of years, and their very existence is now threatened by man and his fears. Thomas Allen takes us through the evolution of the shark, its folklore, its commercial uses, and gives us a detailed look at shark attacks--where they happen, why, and how to protect yourself from them. He describes over one hundred shark species--their behavior, appearance, size, and distribution--and provides helpful scientific illustrations. He offers current information on scientific research (including the recent studies on shark cartilage in cancer research), current population findings, and continuing conservation efforts.
With over twenty-five color photographs of familiar and unusual sharks, interesting and fact-filled sidebars, and useful appendices, THE SHARK ALMANAC is a comprehensive overview and the perfect book for anyone interested in these amazing creatures.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

YA-In this comprehensive, authoritative overview, Allen demystifies this feared species in the hope that he can educate readers and strengthen conservation efforts on the animals' behalf. Shark populations are declining and, with humans as their greatest enemy, their survival is being threatened. Although the text is fairly academic, it is readable and should be considered for serious research. Introductory chapters on sharks in general are followed by discussions of specific sharks and their relatives, the skates and rays. Details on behavior, physical description of the species, distribution, and the danger to humans are included. The information on the science of shark attacks on humans, including how not to be a victim and the stories of specific attacks, will be especially popular with students. The work concludes with reviews of the medical research and the business interests involved in harvesting sharks. Numerous line drawings clarify adjacent text. There are a few black-and-white photographs scattered throughout, with full-color plates in the center of the book. An excellent resource.
Claudia Moore, W. T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Sharks are extremely popular animals, and, although there is a plethora of books about them, this new effort is a welcome addition to the assemblage. Sharks, one of the most ancient groups of animals, evolved long before the dinosaurs and survive virtually unchanged today. Almost 400 species of sharks, plus close to 600 species of their close relatives the skates and rays, live in the world's oceans, and the present work provides a very good introduction to these cartilaginous fishes. Two opening chapters furnish an overview of shark biology, anatomy, and behavior. The next two chapters describe around 100 representative shark species and an equal number of shark relatives. An exhaustive chapter on sharks attacking humans follows with excellent statistics and details on why sharks attack. One important chapter discusses the enormous decline (80 percent in some species) in sharks over the past decade, and what is being done to preserve them. Well illustrated with drawings and photographs, The Shark Almanac is a very thorough work, recommended for all libraries. Nancy Bent --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: The Lyons Press; 1st edition (May 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585748080
• ISBN-13: 978-1585748082
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,323,133 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I have been writing since my teen years, when I covered high school sports for my hometown newspaper, The Herald, in Bridgeport, Conn.
I continued working at the paper while I was in college. In the mid-1950s I began working for The New York Daily News, writing feature stories. In 1963, I left The News, going to Chilton Books in Philadelphia, and then to the National Geographic Book Division. I began freelancing in 1981, but I continued contributing to Geographic publications.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excallent, April 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Shark Almanac: A Complete Look at a Magnificent and Misunderstood Creature (Hardcover)

Sharks have a reputation of being the most feared creatures of the sea, and in this fantastic new book, I learn the myths and facts of these exciting animals--and that they aren't as deadly as they seem. Of the more than 850 shark species, 80 percent would not hurt people, or would rarely encounter them. Sharks and their kin--skates and rays--have remained essentially the same for hundreds of millions of years, and their existence is now threatened by man and his fears. Thomas Allen takes us through the evolution of the shark, its folklore, its commercial uses, and gives us a detailed look at shark attacks--where they happen, why, and how to protect yourself from them. He describes over one hundred shark species--their behavior, appearance, size, and distribution--and provides helpful scientific illustrations. He offers current information on scientific research (including the recent studies on shark cartilage in cancer research), current population findings, and the continuing conservation efforts. With over twenty-five color photographs of familiar and unusual sharks, interesting and fact-filled sidebars, and useful appendixes, The Shark Almanac is a comprehensive overview and the perfect book for anyone interested in these fascinating creatures.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Very Nice Book, but not complete, October 25, 2000

By 

Water Monkey "Marc B." (Santa Clarita, Ca.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Shark Almanac: A Complete Look at a Magnificent and Misunderstood Creature (Hardcover)

Mr. Allen has written a good introductory book on sharks. The pictures are nice and he makes a good attempt at getting the reader to realize sharks aren't "bad fish".

This book is not a book on "shark species" though. Mr. Allen only covers about 15% of all shark species.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another hit for Thomas Allen, February 6, 2000

By 

sean timmins - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Shark Almanac: A Complete Look at a Magnificent and Misunderstood Creature (Hardcover)

Thomas B. Allen has done the impossible, and written a book better than his "Shadows in the Sea". This time out, he expands on ideas expressed in his first book, adding a modern view of the shark...no longer a feared monster, but a creature that is feeling the strain of Man's dominance of the Earth, a creature that needs our help if it is to endure as it has for countless centuries.