Shark Attack

by H. David Baldridge

Shark Attack

Genres: Nonfiction, Science

Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this over thirty years ago. I came for the sharks; I stayed for the science.

The way I remember it, David Baldridge uses information from the International Shark Attack File (ISAF) as the observational basis for the numerous inquiries he makes into the behavior of sharks. Since Baldridge had little other means of observation, he took the witness and forensic evidence available in the ISAF to hypothesize that: many attacks on humans are defensive maneuvers on the part of the shark characterized by a raking jaw motion; an increase in shark attacks may simply be caused by a greater human usage of the seashore; among other questions.

I think Baldridge tells the reader what would be required to support or disprove each of his hypotheses, and I remember getting the sense that a curious mind was questing for knowledge about its world and inviting the reader to engage with each step along that quest.

All this was a long time ago, as I remember, but set down this: if half of what I remember is correct, this book should be taught in elementary school to help instill a delight in scientific questioning.

[Rick Dupuis]

I was 17 when I got addicted to sharks. I found the Mote Marine Laboratory through a magazine article and wrote a general letter. Baldridge took the time to write back. And that became a 3 year experience. He sent me a signed hard cover of Shark Attack... And a few weeks later I received a signed copy of Sharks and Survival from his boss Perry Gilbert. That would have been 1977 or 78. Both are still treasures to me. Shark Attack is real and undeniably gut wrenching. Highly recommended.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book not too long after the first Jaws (1975) movie was released, and it really expanded my knowledge of sharks and details of some attacks. I enjoyed re-reading it now, as a prelude for another shark book that's been in my collection for a while.

[Luzali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un delicioso viajes de la mano de un hombre que no se deja apantallar por estadísticas planas sino que las analiza con cuidado, es estúpido pero este libro me recordó la manera de hacer investigación y como amaba hacerlo. No sé como llegó ese libro a la biblioteca, al parecer estaba en el estante de las donaciones, quien lo leyó antes que yo? le habrá hecho sentir lo mismo

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was such a shark nerd in high school. I lived on an island so was never far from the source of my fascination. I carried this book every where w/ me. It was so abused I had to hold it together w/ rubber bands. I don't think I got rid of it till I was WELL into my 20's.

[Tom]

Read this about 200 years ago...well back in the '70s, anyway. Remember it being interesting to my pre-teen self, but don't remember it well enough to give it an honest rating. Maybe I'll have to read it again sometime. Can't believe I still have this book after all these years.

[Beka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Less a book with stories of attacks, than drawing (and debunking) conclusions for shark attack data.

[Justin Mahaffie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dad had this book when I was a kid. I still remember several of the stories.

[Joseph Grist · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this when I was a kid after watching Jaws... I was living in Florida at the time which made going to the beach interesting...

[Mark Stockwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember my Dad getting this book for me in the 1970's, very enjoyable.

[Zechy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written book on Shark attacks, with a focus on debunking various myths.

[Scott]

I looked for this book for over 10 years!... Before the Internet.. I had it when it first came out then lost it....still vividly remember the story of ALbert Kogler...