Alessandro De Maddalena: shark researcher and artist

A description of the books by Alessandro De Maddalena is provided in this section. Click here for a complete list of publications by the same author, including articles in scientific journals and popular magazines.

DE MADDALENA, A. & W. HEIM (2009): Great White Sharks in United States Museums. McFarland, Jefferson. 214 pp. Softcover (7 x 10). Black and white photographs and drawings. ISBN: 978-0-7864-4183-9. Price: US Dollar 49.95. Language: English.

This book is the first complete treatise on great white shark materials preserved in the museums and institutes of the United States of America. A total of 160 white shark items from 26 institutions is described. The material preserved in the museums and research institutes of the United States includes whole specimens as well as parts of specimens (jaws, teeth, vertebrae, etc.). The work also includes detailed accounts of the various preservation methods, complete documentation available on all the cases in which great white sharks have been kept in captivity in U.S. aquariums, and a general introduction describing the biology, ethology and ecology of the great white shark. The Foreword is by Sean R. Van Sommeran. The book can be ordered from the publisher, McFarland. Price is US Dollar 49.95 (excludes postage).

DE MADDALENA, A. e A. "THE SHARKMAN" BUTTIGIEG (2009): Pesci martello / Hammerhead sharks. Edizioni Ireco, Formello, 128 pp. Color photographs, black and white drawings. Bilingual text (English / Italian). ISBN: 978-88-86253-34-5. Price: € 25.00.

Many are the marine creatures that for some reason or other raise curiosity in Humans. The shape of hammerhead sharks head has always attracted the interest of fishermen and naturalists, giving rise to numerous speculations as to the reason behind such a grotesque shape, so diverse from other sharks. Through studies that have been carried out in the time, the significance of this characteristic has gradually become more precise. With this book we intend to create a critical and modernized compendium of the information that researchers have been able to collect on the hammerhead sharks through the centuries. The text has been written purposely in such way to be easily comprehensible to every type of reader, but without removing the thoroughness of the scientific character of the work. The Foreword is by Ron and Valerie Taylor. All orders must be placed directly with the publisher, Ireco, e-mail: ireco@ireco.net  or  ordini@ireco.net Price is € 25.00 (excludes postage). Cash on delivery.

Sharks are the sea’s most feared predators, and many people think of them as voracious monsters, consuming anything they encounter. This is far from the truth. Sharks are highly evolved predators with preferred food sources. They need to capture, ingest and digest food as efficiently as possible: morphological, anatomical and behavioural adaptations enable them to do this. What do sharks eat? Which animals are especially vulnerable to shark predation? When do sharks feed? Where do sharks catch their prey? How do sharks find their prey? Why do some sharks attack humans? What predatory tactics do sharks use? What happens when two sharks try to feed on the same prey? This book provides answers to these and many other questions. The text is supported by many beautiful photographs by Vittorio Gabriotti and Walter Heim, most of which have been prepared especially for this book. The Foreword is by Geremy Cliff, Natal Sharks Board.
All orders must be placed directly with the publisher's distributor in Cape Town, “On the Dot”, e-mail: orders@onthedot.co.za or direct.sales@onthedot.co.za (orders outside South Africa), or online www.onthedot.co.za and click on the shopping cart link (note that ISBN is 9781770095595), price is Rand 180.00 including vat (excludes postage and handling). Best payment option is credit card.

DE MADDALENA, A. & A.-L. RÉVELART (2008): Le grand requin blanc sur les côtes françaises. Turtle Prod Éditions / Média Plongée, Hyéres, 84 pp. Black and white drawings by the Author, color photographs. Soft cover. ISBN:
9782953043051. Price: Euro 19,80. Language: French.

This is the first book on the presence of the great white shark along the coasts of France. Since 1996 the Italian Great White Shark Data Bank (Banca Dati Italiana Squalo Bianco) has collected a substantial amount of information regarding historical and recent records of the great white shark from the Mediterranean Sea. This data includes information on size, distribution, habitat, behaviour, reproduction, diet, fisheries and attacks on humans. An analysis of the data concerning the presence of C. carcharias along the french coasts is reported in this book. The text is clear and concise, illustrated with rare photos of specimens caught in the study area, and black-and-white drawings by the first Author. The Foreword is by Christian Capapé, Laboratoire d'Ichtyologie, Université Montpellier II, Sciences et Techniques du Languedoc. The book can be ordered from:
http://www.apnea.fr/ , http://www.plongee-mag.net/ , http://www.librairieduplongeur.com/ .

DE MADDALENA, A. & H. BAENSCH (2005): Haie im Mittelmeer. Franckh-Kosmos Verlags-GmbH & Co., Stuttgart, 240 pp. Black and white drawings by the Author, color photographs.  Hard cover. ISBN-13: 978-3-440-10458-3, ISBN-10: 3-440-10458-3. Price: Euro 24,90. Language: German.

DE MADDALENA, A. & H. BAENSCH (2008): Squali del Mare Mediterraneo. Class Editori, Milano, 240 pp. Black and white drawings by the Author, color photographs.  Hard cover. ISBN: 9788895080154. Price: Euro 26,00. Language: Italian.

This book is available in two editions, in german and in italian language. This book covers all 50 shark species recorded in the Mediterranean Sea. Each species is summarized via the following categories: classification, common names, field characters, morphology, colouration, teeth shape, dental formula, maximum size, size at birth, size at maturity, embryonic development, gestation, litter size, reproduction in the Mediterranean, maximum age, diet, habitat, geographical distribution in the Mediterranean, geographical distribution in the rest of the world, behaviour, dangerousness, importance for fishery in the Mediterranean, status in the Mediterranean, kind of presence in the Mediterranean, specimens of particular interest recorded in the Mediterranean, species with which can be confused, main references for the Mediterranean, selected not Mediterranean-related references. Each species is illustrated with black-and-white drawings by the first author, including lateral view, underside of the head, underside of the pectoral fin, teeth, dermal denticles, other details or typical behaviors. Gorgeous full-color photographs by Harald Baensch, Kelvin Aitken, Erling Svensen, Walter Heim, Vittorio Gabriotti and many others, including both photos showing specimens caught in the Mediterranean and pictures of live animals shot around the world, add greatly to the book's appeal. The introductory part includes general concise information on classification, evolution, size, morphology, swimming, anatomy, reproduction, distribution, habitat, feeding, diet, attacks on humans, behaviour, abundance in the Mediterranean, fishery in the Mediterranean, consumption of shark meat in the Mediterranean area, conservation in the Mediterranean, researches in the Mediterranean, institutes studying sharks in the Mediterranean, form for reporting sightings and captures  of sharks in the Mediterranean, key to Mediterranean species identification. This is an important work, sure to be the standard reference for many years to come. The german edition of this book can be ordered from: Amazon.de. The italian edition of this book can be ordered from the publisher, Class Editori. 

DE MADDALENA, A., PRETI, A. & T. POLANSKY (2007): Sharks of the Pacific Northwest. Including Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and Alaska. Harbour Publishing, Madeira Park, 144 pp. Black and white drawings and color illustrations by the Author, color photographs. Paperback, 6 x 9. ISBN: 978-1-55017-418-2 · 1-55017-418-5. Price: $21.95 Cdn., $19.95 US. Language: English.

The aim of this book is to both provide accurate scientific information on sharks and profile those that inhabit the waters of the Pacific Northwest—an area that has a rich variety of 18 species. This volume has been written for those interested in learning more on sharks and is primarily aimed at a broad and non-technical readership. Its up-to-date and detailed scientific contents, however, make it a useful tool for biologists and zoologists. The book is fully illustrated by the first author. Beautiful photos that have been mainly shot in the northeastern Pacific Ocean by a number of professional photographers, researchers and sport fishermen are also provided. The Foreword is by Bruce Wright and John E. Randall. The book can be ordered from: Amazon.com (or amazon.de, amazon.co.uk, amazon.fr, etc.), Gazelle Book services in the UK at sales@gazellebooks.co.uk , Harbour Publishing at sales@harbourpublishing.com .

DE MADDALENA, A., PRETI, A. & R. SMITH (2005): Mako sharks. Krieger Publishing, Malabar, 72 pp. Black and white drawings by the Author, color photographs. Hard cover. ISBN: 1-57524-267-2. Price: US Dollar 17.5.

Superbly illustrated and meticulously researched, this book is the first reference for both general readers and specialists of everything that is known about the most beautiful, agile, fast, fascinating, and mysterious of all sharks: the mako shark. The elegant shape, the curved prominent teeth and the tail shaped like a halfmoon make them unmistakable. Mako sharks, shortfin mako and longfin mako, belong to the family Lamnidae, which also includes the great white shark.  Makos have very ancient origins, appearing in prehistoric oceans between 40 and 60 million years ago. The shortfin mako can be considered among the fastest of all sharks, since it can reach speeds of 35-56 km/h and can jump out of the water to more than 6 meters in height. Makos have the speed and agility to catch fast swimming prey, such as tunas, swordfishes and dolphins. Some makos have been found with a swordfish bill driven into their body after fighting with prey. Makos are considered dangerous animals: attacks on divers, swimmers and boats are known, but are rare because these predators prefer offshore waters. The shortfin mako is fished all over the world and is prized for the high quality of its meat. Moreover its fighting temper makes it one of the most sought-after prey by the sport-fishermen. The text is supported by many exquisite and rare pictures. The book can be ordered from the publisher, Krieger Publishing.

DE MADDALENA, A. (2007): 25 Haie. Verlagsedition Nullzeit, Wien, 64 pp. Soft cover, spiral binding, full colour, 14,8 x 10,5 cm. ISBN-10: 3950212256, ISBN-13: 978-3950212259. Price: Euro 14,90. Language: German.

This small book is printed on waterproof paper. It features concise text on the morphology, size, range, diet and reproduction of the 25 shark species covered, lillustrated with one gorgeous, full-color photo. This little nice format book is the perfect companion on dive trips. The book can be ordered from: Verlagsedition Nullzeit, and Amazon.de.

DE MADDALENA, A. (2007): Great White Sharks Preserved in European Museums. Cambridge Scholars Publishing, Newcastle upon Tyne, 104 pp. Black and white photographs. Hardback. ISBN: 1-84718-189-9. Price: UK: £29.99, US: $59.99. Language: English.

The Author has condensed virtually everything that is known about the great white sharks that are preserved in European museums in this book. Available data of 105 great white sharks from 45 institutions is presented herein. Most material consists of taxidermied specimens and jaws. Most specimens with known capture locations come from the Mediterranean Sea. The jaws belonging to the Biblioteca Ambrosiana in Milan, dated from at least 1640-1660, are the oldest white shark material preserved in Europe. The largest specimens of which parts are preserved in any European museum may be those of which skeletal parts are preserved in the Museo di Anatomia Comparata of Rome, Italy, and the Museo Zoologico "La Specola" of Florence, Italy. The cast of a 5.65 m female great white shark preserved in the Musée cantonal de Zoologie of Lausanne, is the world's largest that has been reconstructed directly from a whole specimen. The largest skin-mounted specimen is a 5.22 m female preserved in the Museo Civico di Storia Naturale of Trieste. The Foreword is by Jean-Michel Cousteau. This book is recommended only for research institutes and museums. The book can be ordered from the publisher, Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

LIPEJ, L., DE MADDALENA, A. & A. SOLDO (2004): Sharks of the Adriatic Sea. Knjiznica Annales Majora, Koper, 254 pp. Black and white drawings by Alessandro De Maddalena, color photographs. Paperback. ISBN: 961-6033-50-6. Language: English.

This book covers all 38 shark species recorded in the Adriatic Sea. Each species is summarized via the following categories: classification, common names, morphology, reproduction, diet, habitat, distribution, behavior, threat to humans, status in the Adriatic, specimens from the Adriatic preserved in museums, similar species, references. Each species is illustrated with a black-and-white drawing by the second author. The introductory part includes general concise information on classification, morphology, swimming, anatomy, reproduction, distribution, habitat, feeding, diet, attacks on humans, behaviour, abundance in the Adriatic, fishery in the Adriatic, research in the Adriatic, key to Adriatic species identification. The book can be ordered from the publishing house Annales.

DE MADDALENA, A. & A. CELONA (2005): I grandi animali marini del Mediterraneo. Guida al loro riconoscimento in mare. Rivista Marittima, Supplemento, Settembre 2005, Roma, 52 pp. Black and white drawings by Alessandro De Maddalena, color photographs. Paperback. Price: Euro 6.00. Language: Italian.

This small book features concise text on the morphology and biology of 29 species of large marine animals inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea. Species covered include squids, rays, sharks, dolphinfish, tuna, swordfish, spearfish, sunfish, sea turtles, dolphins, and whales. The book can be ordered from the Rivista Marittima.

DE MADDALENA, A. (2002): Lo squalo bianco nei mari d' Italia. Ireco, Formello, 144 pp. Black and white drawings by Alessandro De Maddalena, black and white photographs. Paperback. EAN 9788886 253192. Price: Euro 22.00. Language: Italian.

This is the first book on the presence of the great white shark along the coasts of Italy. Since 1996 the Italian Great White Shark Data Bank (Banca Dati Italiana Squalo Bianco) has collected a substantial amount of information regarding historical and recent records of the great white shark from the Mediterranean Sea. This data includes information on size, distribution, habitat, behaviour, reproduction, diet, fisheries and attacks on humans. An analysis of the data concerning the presence of C. carcharias along the italian coasts is reported in this book. The text is clear and concise, illustrated with rare photos of specimens caught and sighted in the study area, and black-and-white drawings by the Author. The book can be ordered from the publisher, Ireco.

DE MADDALENA, A. (2001): Squali delle acque italiane. Guida sintetica al riconoscimento. Ireco, Formello, 72 pp. Black and white drawings by Alessandro De Maddalena, black and white photographs. Paperback. ISBN 88-86253-19-2. Price: Euro 15.00. Language: Italian.

This book covers 40 shark species recorded along the italian coasts of the Mediterranean Sea. Each species is summarized via the following categories: morphology, color, size, distribution, habitat, reproduction, diet, fishery, threat to humans. Each species is illustrated with a black-and-white drawing by the author. This book can be ordered from the publisher, Ireco.