36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
AT LAST, AT LAST, AT LAST!!!, November 18, 2005
This review is from: Sharks of the World (Princeton Field Guides) (Paperback)
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.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must for shark workers and enthusiasts, May 6, 2005
This review is from: Sharks of the World (Princeton Field Guides) (Paperback)
If you don't know anything about Leonard Compagno, you should know that he is a very thorough archivist. It was he who cataloged all of the known shark species for the FAO Species Catalog, presumably the basis for this book. The book begins with a small introductory section on sharks (evolution, anatomy, physiology, ecology, etc.) and a key to the families. This is followed by wonderfully drawn color plates of each shark. The individual descriptions of the sharks include a line drawing with notable characters, examples of upper and lower teeth (more if heterodontic), distributions and a short blurb that includes habitat, size, behavior and biology, descriptions and IUCN status. Included are relatively new species and all of the deep-water forms. I cannot imagine needing another guide, at least for the next ten years. New species aren't exactly rolling in. I would recommend, however, a hardback copy for field workers, as paperbacks don't last very long with heavy usage. Also, keep in mind that other elasmobranchs are not included. I have not seen Compagno's much cheaper Collins Guide (only available in hardback), but I do know that this Princeton Guide is worth the money.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Complete and Intriguing, May 30, 2006
This review is from: Sharks of the World (Princeton Field Guides) (Paperback)
Growing up around brothers and cousins who fish and swimming in the mighty Atlantic, sharks have been a whisper in my life that may get lost in being at the shore. I have been in the water with sharks, caught sharks, discovered dead sharks washed up on the shore, and played the role of amateur ichthyologist (sp?) when a shark was brought in over four feet long.
This book is not for everyone, it is a scientific almanac or encyclopedia of species of sharks that one has never heard of. But it does fill in the great mysteries about those sharks one does encounter, and expands one's curiousity to the other infamous fish in the waters. I held this book in my hand trying to determine if a still flopping shark of 48" was a bull shark or a sandbar shark... the book succeeded where wisened fishermen failed. It would be welcome in the hands of the curious, the fisherman, or the student.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
