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Shark: In Peril in the Sea
Dispeling myths about shark attacks and offering facts about shark conservation and the history of shark-human interaction, this guide comprehensively overturns negative and damaging perceptions of sharks
Thoroughly researched and written in clear, jargon-free prose by a shark "outsider," it reveals everything about these sophisticated guardians of the oceans. The shark has been the planet's dominant predator for millions of years. But in just 50 years all sharks have become threatened by human activity; victims of a deadly combination of overfishing, pollution, and the destruction of their habitats. Although scientific knowledge of sharks is increasing rapidly, there is still much to learn about these complex and elusive animals—and for many species it may already be too late. Despite this, in the popular imagination sharks remain poorly understood and, all too often, despised. This book stands up for sharks—big or small, scary or harmless.
Thoroughly researched and written in clear, jargon-free prose by a shark "outsider," it reveals everything about these sophisticated guardians of the oceans. The shark has been the planet's dominant predator for millions of years. But in just 50 years all sharks have become threatened by human activity; victims of a deadly combination of overfishing, pollution, and the destruction of their habitats. Although scientific knowledge of sharks is increasing rapidly, there is still much to learn about these complex and elusive animals—and for many species it may already be too late. Despite this, in the popular imagination sharks remain poorly understood and, all too often, despised. This book stands up for sharks—big or small, scary or harmless.
328 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2009
2 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
David Owen
20 books16 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
David Owen was born in Zimbabwe in 1956 and grew up in Malawi and Swaziland. He completed his education in South Africa and then spent some years working in London. He migrated to Australia in 1986. A past editor of Island magazine, he writes fiction and nonfiction. He is now settled in Tasmania.
David Owen was born in Zimbabwe in 1956 and grew up in Malawi and Swaziland. He completed his education in South Africa and then spent some years working in London. He migrated to Australia in 1986. A past editor of Island magazine, he writes fiction and nonfiction. He is now settled in Tasmania.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 2, 2014
Detailed overview of just about everything you could ever want to know about sharks. Not a bad read but it did feel like it dragged a bit in places. Overall an excellent account of both the natural history and cultural history of sharks. Having read a few marine natural history books recently I am astounded at how little we really know about what is a fragile environment and its inhabitants.
September 8, 2013
This book was good and informative the "Creatures of Extremes" chapter dragged on far to long. The "Sharks and Creativity" chapter also had trouble holding my attention with all the literary criticism. The rest of the book was good straight up shark natural history.
January 20, 2018
Only three stars for now but this book will stay on the bookshelf to be used whenever a shark is mentioned to look up the details of that particular shark! So it may improve with time.
April 27, 2023
This is an easy read but hard stuff. it really opens your eyes to the way sharks have been misunderstood all this time.
February 9, 2017
Good book, though it is speaking to the converted, for me at least.
November 17, 2015
Excellent book that dispels the myths of shark phobia, and discusses the IMPORTANCE of Shark's role in the eco system.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews