Book - The Jaws of Death, Shark as Predator, Man as Prey by Xavier Manigue

Despite its title, and the warning in red that this book contains disturbing pictures (it does), 'The Jaws of Death' is not just another sensationalist shark book. In fact, the book's 320-odd pages are packed with well-researched information about sharks and their predation on humans - debunking more than a few myths about sharks that are still current today.

The book begins with a study of shark attacks on humans, right back to earliest times. During most of human history, sharks were mythical creatures and it is only in this century that these fish have become familiar to the public, helped in no small part by alarmist movies like Jaws. Several chapters are devoted to examining the amazing adaptions that help make sharks the most efficient predators in the ocean. Besides size, speed and power, these include excellent hearing and sight, plus unique organs sensitive to vibration and electricity.

Perhaps the most interesting section of the book contains the true stories of shark attacks, each chosen by the author for what it teaches about shark behaviour. Sub-titled  Instructive Dramas these accounts make riveting reading.

While this book in no way sensationalises shark attacks, and it s clear the author likes sharks as animals; he hasn t shied away from the reality that gruesome and usually fatal shark attacks do happen. Some of this book describes in detail  self defence strategies against sharks, including how best to kill them. There s also a section on  1001 Uses of Sharks  their flesh, liver, skin, teeth and more. There s information on shooting them, catching them, fishing for them and using them to solve crimes. It s not written by a  greenie .

On the other hand, this information is balanced by a forthright commentary on the effects of uncontrolled commercial shark fishing, which is threatening to exterminate many species.

As for the sealed section warned about on the book s cover, the pictures are truly gruesome and include graphic evidence of grievous injuries inflicted on humans by sharks. They re not for the squeamish, but once again the author has avoided sensationalism by choosing the pictures for what they tell the reader about shark attacks, not for their shock value alone.

The last chapters of the book deal with the other  Jaws of Death  crocodiles. Responsible for far more fatal attacks on humans than sharks, these much-misunderstood animals can be extremely dangerous in those waters where they are common  Maninguet has the photos to prove it! But he also takes pains to explain the important role they play in nature, and how it is almost always human stupidity that leads to crocodile attacks.

The last part of the book is a reasonably comprehensive species guide to sharks around the world. Several species common in New Zealand are included.

By Xavier Maniguet
Published by Sheridan House
Reviewed by John Eichelsheim.
RRP. $49.95