Those who think of sharks as something only found in tropical waters will be surprised to learn that there are 18 species of sharks in the cool waters of the Pacific Northwest, from the 27-inch brown catshark to the 39-foot basking shark.

Sharks of the Pacific Northwest provides for the identification of these species, with spectacular photographs and accurate paintings and drawings, plus summaries of the sharks' classification, morphology, distribution, habitat, diet, reproduction and behaviour. It also includes a concise general account of shark evolution, anatomy and physiology, as well as discussion of attacks on humans and details of shark fisheries. It is primarily aimed at a broad, non-technical readership, but its up-to-date and detailed contents make it a useful tool for professional biologists and zoologists.

Dr. Alessandro De Maddalena is one of the world's foremost shark experts as well as one of the world's best marine life illustrators, having produced more than 800 drawings and paintings of sharks and cetaceans. His articles and illustrations have appeared in many wildlife magazines and books. Dr. De Maddalena lives in Milan, Italy. See website http://www.alessandro-de-maddalena.webs.com.

Alessandro De Maddalena's profile page

Dr. Antonella Preti graduated in biology and specialized in marine ecology at the University of Turin, Italy, with a thesis on the genetics of Polychaetes. In 1997, she moved to San Diego to further her studies at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Antonella Preti's profile page

Tarik Polansky has a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts (Media) from the University of California, San Diego.

Tarik Polansky's profile page