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

A look at a magnificent and misunderstood creature. Sharks have a reputation of being the most feared creatures of the sea, and in this study, 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. Thomas Allen takes us through the evolution of the shark, its folklore, and 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 100 shark species - their behaviour, appearance, size and distribution - and provides scientific illustrations. There is information on scientific research (including studies on shark cartilage in cancer research), current population findings, and continuing conservation efforts. The volume is illustrated with colour photographs of familiar and unusual sharks, fact-filled sidebars, and appendices.

Sharks have a reputation for being the most feared creatures of the sea, but of the more than 390 shark species known, 80 percent would not hurt people, or would rarely encounter them. In The Shark Almanac, Thomas B. Allen explains the facts, myths, and misconceptions about these amazing animals.
Although sharks have no bones, their sandpapery skin is composed of toothlike "denticles," complete with dentine and pulp canals containing nerves and blood vessels.
U.S. Navy technicians were astounded to find that mysterious damage to submarines was being caused by small cookie-cutter sharks, which feed by applying suction to a larger animal, then gouging out a piece of flesh in a twisting motion with their circular jaws.
Lifejacket yellow is known to shark experts as "yum-yum yellow."
Sharks may swim great distances after being attracted by the smell of blood released into the water when swimmers merely scratched an itch on their legs.
When the USS Indianapolis was torpedoed in the Pacific during World War II after delivering the atomic bomb, 850 surviving crewmen were preyed upon by sharks - and only 318 came home.
The Shark Almanac is a comprehensive overview of the biology, history, and diversity of sharks and their kin, and is the perfect book for anyone interested in these fascinating creatures.