A Sea Monster's Tale: In Search of the Basking Shark: 5 (Wild Nature Press)

What a cracking read. A new adventure story set in our very own British waters involving huge fish and the daring do of the half-crazy men who risked life, limb and everything they had to catch them. It is mixed with endless facts, figures, dates, names and places.If this book is made into a film, Spielberg must direct it!!  A Sea Monster's Tale: In Search of the Basking Shark

This is a fantastic book! I've many, many natural history / shark books and this is definitely one of the best I've read. Very informative and detailed. I love sharks but never really appreciated the basking - until now. The author's enthusiasm shines throughout.This volume would be a glorious addition to any home natural history library.

Colin Speedie is a legend in UK waters thanks to his indefatigable curiosity for that enigmatic giant the basking shark. In 'A Sea Monster's Tale' he describes the grand animal's tragically under-appreciated historical fate before moving on to discuss the decades of sailing adventure with which he - in association with leading biologists - teased out the natural history of this gentle behemoth.

A Sea Monster's Tale is a fascinating personal quest following the history of the Basking Shark from historical hunting to the modern conservation movement. It is an exciting and intriguing account full of great stories and amazing facts and the energy and enthusiasm of the author shines through on every page. With added excerpts from some great writers (particularly Gavin Maxwell), it is a captivating book that I will read again and again.

Having seen basking sharks many times over the years (the very first time by chance - from the dubious security of a Windsurfer) I approached this book with an existing interest. What I wasn't really expecting, and found fascinating, was the extensive and even handed review of the history of basking shark fishing. That part giving the conservation history was equally even handed and objective - something often lost in the world of conservation. Certainly a lot has been achieved to protect the Basking Shark and all involved are to be applauded. Overall, the book is well written, eminently readable, and informative.

Eloquently written and beautifully illustrated with both historical images and stunning high resolution photographs, ‘A Sea Monster’s Tale – In Search of the Basking Shark’ will appeal to marine adventurers and conservationists everywhere.Journeying with the basking shark from its survival of the early hunting exploits off the Scottish and Irish coast to its hard-won status as a marine wildlife icon, Colin Speedie’s knowledge and passion for this protected species are unrivalled. Born out of decades of firsthand experience as a professional skipper and marine researcher, this is an authentic and absolutely fascinating account of our changing relationship with the elusive basking shark.Undoubtedly the best quality book on the basking shark in print.

Don't buy this book if you have less than perfect eyesight. The font is so small it makes it almost unreadable. Disappointing as this looks like it could be a fascinating read.