Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I've read as many shark books as I can and this is definately the best and most up to date that I've found. It's just incredible. The picture section in the middle is an added bonus.

My experience with sharks has been limited to film and literature, and of all the sources I own this one provides the most information of them all. Though lacking in stunning pictures, this book brough much new information into the light.

Mr. Allen has made a very good contribution for everyone who wishes to see these magnificent creatures survive well into the future. This is a comprehensive account of an essential species that needs the protection of any person who values the delicate ecosystem. The author examines the behavior, appearance, size and distributtion of over a hundred different shark species. Chapter 8 "The Shark Endangered" was the most significant for this reader. He details how ancient superstitions like the health benefits of shark fin soup, and shark cartilage in many asian countries has led to the near extinction of many species of sharks that are of no threat to humans. Page 249 sums it up. "As we become more familiar with sharks, the move to protect them may spread." Lets hope that statement becomes a fact.

My son is 13 and loves this book. He refers to it all the time. He learned a lot from it.