Shark Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance

American Way Magazine
The fear of sharks may be exagerrated but it is not irrational....Makes for surprisingly fascinating reading.


Book Description
Here is an unflinching look at the terrifying phenomenon of shark attacks from the author of The Shark Almanac. The shark is so well adapted to its element that its existence on the planet actually predates trees. When people enter that element in increasing numbers, as they have in recent years, the results can be tragic and seemingly arbitrary. Author Tom Allen has carefully researched all known shark incidents from all over the world. The result is the most thorough and informative book to date on the phenomenon. SHARK ATTACKS contains the harrowing personal stories of shark attack survivors, expert opinions from marine biologists, and the latest scientific studies of shark behavior. Allen’s fascinating analysis explains; * Why so many attacks occur in water less than five feet deep * Which species are killers * What triggers an attack * Behavior just before an attack * Whether shark nets increase swimmer safety levels * Environmental and seasonal conditions that contribute to an increase in attacks * Why it is better to be below a shark than above it. This is a book for everyone who wants to read about the frightening reality of shark attacks--and to understand the myths that surround this often misunderstood creature.


From the Back Cover
The shark is so well adapted to its element that its existence on the planet actually predates trees. When people enter that element in increasing numbers, as they have in recent years, the results can be tragic and seemingly arbitrary. Author Tom Allen has carefully researched documented shark attacks from all over the world. The result is the most thorough and informative book to date on the phenomenon. Shark Attacks contains the harrowing personal stories of shark attack survivors, expert opinions from marine biologists, and the latest scientific information on shark behavior. Allen's fascinating analysis explains: why so many attacks occur in water less than five feet deep; which species are killers; what triggers an attack; behavior just before an attack; whether shark nets help swimmer safety; why more than two-thirds of victims are surfers; environmental and seasonal conditions that contribute to attacks; why it is better to be below a shark than above it; how to avoid becoming a shark's prey. (61/4 X 91/4, 316 pages, color photos, b&w photos, illustrations, diagrams, charts)



About the Author
THOMAS B. ALLEN is a regular contributor to National Geographic magazine. He is also the author of many critically acclaimed books, including The Shark Almanac and Shadows in the Sea.


Buy from Amazon     Compare Prices

Allen (an author, no university affiliation) separates the facts about sharks from the horror-movie lore. He explains how sharks select victims and outlines factors contributing to or mitigating the severity of an attack. Survivors discuss their experiences, and marine biologists present the available data. Chapters describe attacks in California, Hawaii, South Africa, Australia, in rivers, in lakes, at sea, and on the shore. They also discuss prevention, and survival. Appendixes list popular and scientific species names and instructions for reporting an attack. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)


Buy from Barnes & Noble     Compare Prices