Sharks frighten and fascinate people. They stir the ultimate primeval fear: that of being eaten alive. Usually depicted as killing machines, cold and calculating, sharks are, in fact, as Michael Bright illustrates, remarkable creatures that we are just beginning to understand. New studies by acquanauts and scientists have begun to reveal the private life of the shark, enabling us to learn more about this much misunderstood creature.Recent observations of the notorious Great White shark have revealed that, far from being the solitary predator that it is so often portrayed, Great Whites have in fact frequent interactions with other sharks and live in a complex society, adhering to strict social rules. Research has also revealed that although the Great White is responsible for most shark attacks on humans, these attacks are, in fact, a case of mistaken identity, the shark spitting out its bite once realizing its prey is not the seal or sea lion it anticipated.During the past two decades the fate of the shark has become inextricably linked with the way in which people have been treating the planet. The Private Life of Sharks is the most up-to-date account of the life of sharks and their extraordinary behaviour. It explores their natural history and the important role they play as apex predators in the world's oceans. It also highlights their exploitation and vulnerability, and their unexpected demise.