When man becomes prey . . . Whether you're in the ocean, up a mountain or in a forest, somewhere close by, unknown to you, a predator may be lurking, watching your every move. Tigers, grizzly bears, snakes, sharks, wolves, crocodiles and even cannibals have all have taken their toll on unwary travellers. Here you will encounter the most formidable predators in the natural world, sharing the final moments of those unlucky enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. In this gripping journey to the dark side of the animal kingdom, survivors recall terrifying ordeals first-hand, while hunters and other eyewitnesses describe the rapid sequence of events in a fatal attack. In more than 250 vivid accounts of encounters with man-eaters - both animal and human - Alex MacCormick explores man's vulnerability in the face of nature's savage power.

The biggest-ever selection of first-hand accounts and news reports of shark attacks, both recent and historical, shows how sharks are masters of the ocean and how we enter their domain at our own risk. Think you're safe in the Med? Read about the Great Whites that thrive near holiday beaches. Think you're safe in large groups? Read about the sinking of the USS Indianapolis in 1945 when hundreds of sailors floated for days in shark-infested waters, being picked off one-by-one. Think you're safe at home? Read about the 69-year-old man, taking his regular evening swim, jumping off his backyard dock straight into the mouth of a bull shark. Many more extraordinary and gruesome accounts, including the shark-boat skipper who slit open the belly of a 360-kg tiger shark only to have a human head, pelvis, and arm come tumbling out, provide horrific and moving tales of shark encounters. The courage of survivors and those who have risked their lives to save shark attack victims is truly inspirational. Where can you find sharks? Features on different shark species with illustrations, fact boxes and maps show where they lurk around the world. Also included are a selection of full-colour photographs and special sections on the life cycle of a shark, how to avoid a shark attack and how to survive one.