16th November 2009 Review by Stuart Nettle

"Most people - at least since the movie Jaws - assume the creatures are solitary, stupid, antisocial brutes...Our research demonstrates that white sharks are intelligent, curious, oddly skittish creatures, whose social interactions and foraging behaviour are more complex than anyone had imagined"

Before I continue, I should say that contrary to popular wisdom this book can be judged by it's cover. A quick check on the 'net revealed that the standard cover for a book on sharks is a dramatic colour photo of a Great White staring intently at the viewer, conjuring bloodlust and mindless ferocity. In contrast, Shark: In Peril In The Sea by David Owen, features a subtle and restrained sketch image of an unspecified species of shark. The cover is indicative of the contents because, as you may have guessed by the introductory quote to this article, the purpose of the book is to inform not alarm. It deliberately avoids affecting an emotional response; you wont find a single shot of a leaping Great White mauling an unsuspecting seal pup. Rather Shark considers the complex relation humans have with sharks and attempts to deconstruct that relationship by studying them. Why do we so fear sharks? What are the historical connections between sharks and humans? How are humans impacting shark populations? These are just some of the questions Owen addresses along the way. The text is dry and literal, perhaps written that way in response to the usual sensationalism that occurs when sharks and journalists meet. However, for the sake of allure I wouldn't have minded a drop of blood in the mix. Just a sniff to keep those with shorter attention spans entertained. But perhaps that's the point: we can take the facile emotional response when the media next presents it, or we can transcend that reaction and begin to appreciate - hell, even marvel at - the workings of these amazing creatures. But that takes knowledge and effort. In light of last years media frenzy about shark attacks, and in preperation for the potential onslaught this summer, this is a timely read. Shark: In Peril In The Sea is published by Allen & Unwin and goes on sale on the 1st December.