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Sharks in British Seas is the first book in 17 years to deal with sharks off the coasts of the British Isles. Shark sightings have been on the increase in recent years, especially in the South-West. The second edition of this book contains revisions, updates, many new photographs, three new chapters, and additions to existing chapters.
Sharks in British Seas seeks to appeal across the board to the shark buff or enthusiast, as well as shark 'lay' people with only a passing interest. The author clearly believes that sharks are there to be enjoyed and celebrated rather than feared, and are only dangerous when man is either unlucky or stupid, and he examines the realities of the dangers sharks pose to man. He also looks at the far more real threat posed by man to sharks.
Richard Peirce is a founding partner of Shark Cornwall, currently chairman of the Shark Trust, the Shark Conservation Society, and is a past Trustee of the Basking Shark Society. He presented BBC Radio 4's Shark Hunt series, as well as the films Sharks in British Seas and Shark Attack Britain. The first edition sold out at over 3000 copies and there is enough new and different information in the second edition to make it a must even for those who bought the book first time around.
Richard Peirce is one of Britain's best known shark conservationists. Television, radio and the press have made him well known to the public. He is chairman of both the Shark Trust and the Shark Conservation Society, and is a founder and patron of Shark Cornwall which has pioneered shark eco-tourism in the UK. Richard's books so far include the first and second editions of Sharks in British Seas, Sharks off Cornwall & Devon, Pirates of Devon & Cornwall and Shark Attack Britain.
Customer Reviews:
Richard Peirce Sharks in British seas ...second edition
by Annabelle Lowe, Atlantic Diving, Diver and Marine Wildlife Guide in the United Kingdom (20/03/2012)
Love Sharks...loved this book. It was addictive reading. Richard Peirce tells the journey of sharks from way back when to modern day life encompassing man's effects and ultimate threats to their very existence...his charismatic style of writing felt like I was in the room with him as he recanted shark tales. A definite must with great photos.
Other reviews:
"We tend to think of sharks living in more exotic waters but around 30 can be found around the British Isles. If you are interested enough to pick up this book in the first instance, I hope your curiosity is rewarded with a fascinating account of the wonderful shark far beyond scientific data."
– Sir David Jason (Actor)
"A multitude of fascinating facts can be found in these pages. This book seeks to present the facts alongside the fictions that have accrued into myth and legend about these "blank eyed", apparently unknowable animals."
– Richard E. Grant (Actor)
"Richard has done a huge amount to introduce the British public to the wonders of the shark. He has tirelessly campaigned to put a stop to barbaric fishing practises, and blazed a trail by introducing controlled encounters between divers and sharks off our own shores. This book typifies his approach to shark conservation – a labour of love packed with accessible facts and stirring anecdotes. It is as much a monument to Richard's splendid enthusiasm as it is to the shark itself, and I commend it to you. A thumping good read for both the curious amateur and the hardened expert."
– Monty Halls (television presenter, writer and broadcaster)
"In a book that'll prove a very popular and informative read, Richard manages to cut-through tabloid hyperbole and put many myths firmly to bed. One of the UK's leading advocates for shark conservation, he's worked tirelessly to combat their ill-deserved bad press and this book reflects well on his keen knowledge and efforts championing our toothy friends. It's a well-balanced blend of science, environmentalism and some marine mystery [...] for example, investigating if great white sharks occur off our shores. I really enjoyed it."
– Ian Fergusson (BBC TV Presenter, shark biologist & Shark Trust patron)
"Richard Peirce is a phenomenon. A successful businessman, he has happily moved away from his business activities in order to devote himself to a greater understanding of the shark. Being with Richard as often as I am, I never leave his presence without marvelling at his knowledge, and also at information that is simply not otherwise available about these extraordinary and fascinating creatures. This book is a must have for anyone concerned with one of the most exciting creatures in nature, all the more extraordinary because it is so misunderstood, and so unfairly persecuted."
– David Mellor (writer and broadcaster)
"A comprehensive and very readable book. It's not a shark guide but simply "All you ever wanted (and needed) to know about sharks". Richard really knows his stuff and now we can share his knowledge through a great narrative, some amusing anecdotes and a wealth of great pub facts. This book will dispel myth, inform the reader and hopefully change attitudes about these incredible and misunderstood creatures. A brilliant read!"
– Miranda Krestovnikoff (Diver and Natural History Presenter – BBC Coast)
"A captivating read that will appeal to those with just a passing interest in sharks right through to the most hardcore and committed shark conservationist. Cover to cover I literally couldn't put it down."
– Simon Spear (Underwater videographer and film maker)
