NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The classic suspense novel of shark versus man, which was made into the blockbuster Steven Spielberg movie. The Jaws phenomenon changed popular culture and continues to inspire a growing interest in sharks and the oceans today. When Peter Benchley wrote Jaws in the early 1970s, he meticulously researched all available data about shark behavior. Over the ensuing … data about shark behavior. Over the ensuing decades, Benchley was actively engaged with scientists and filmmakers on expeditions around the world as they expanded their knowledge of sharks. Also during this time, there was an unprecedented upswing in the number of sharks killed to make shark-fin soup, and Benchley worked with governments and nonprofits to sound the alarm for shark conservation. He encouraged each new generation of Jaws fans to enjoy his riveting tale and to channel their excitement into support and protection of these magnificent, prehistoric apex predators.
This edition of Jaws contains bonus content from Peter Benchley’s archives, including the original typed title page, a brainstorming list of possible titles, a letter from Benchley to producer David Brown with honest feedback on the movie adaptation, and excerpts from Benchley’s book Shark Trouble highlighting his firsthand account of writing Jaws, selling it to Universal Studios, and working with Steven Spielberg.
Praise for Jaws
“A tightly written, tautly paced study of terror [that] makes us tingle.”—The Washington Post
“Powerful . . . [Benchley’s] story grabs you at once.”—The New York Times Book Review
“Relentless terror . . . You’d better steel yourself for this one. It isn’t a tale for the faint of heart.”—The Philadelphia Inquirer
“Pure engrossment from the very opening . . . a fine story told with style, class, and a splendid feeling for suspense.”—Chicago Sun-Times
more
An original thriller. A classic in our culture.
Wwwaaaayyyy different than the movie. Movie script obviously reworked this book in many ways. 3 kids instead of 2, Chief has always been in Amity, mafia involvement, Hooper and Ellen have an affair and knew each other years before, and even Quint is altered. I love the movie, expected some extra details, but this is way different, almost a …
When it first came out I probably would have given it a 5. But tastes, styles etc change. Hate how bookbub (amazon?) brings out these musty , dated books to make a few dollars more.
Just like the movie
If you’ve only seen the movie, which was very good, read the book and just hear that music in your mind. It is Great! In fact, I bought it, again, to read. This is one of those books that you want to READ every 10 years or so, i.e. Jurassic Park, Gone With The Wind.
A must – have for every library.
I loved this book! Have read it several times.
I really enjoyed this book. I’ve seen the movie countless times, but the book is more detailed and has interesting side stories.
So much better than the movie. Looking forward to reading this book again.
I initially read this book BEFORE the movie ever came out and just lived it. After I saw the movie, a number of times, I reread the book, and STILL loved it! This is a book that holds your interest right from the first page and throughout the entire book. Every chapter has something interesting either in the characters or events. Peter Benchley is …
Way better than the movie!
There is so much more to the story than the shark.
My favorite book –
I’ve read it 7 times and I’m sure I will read
It many more. You grow attached to the characters – even though they are flawed. I love that there is a great deal of character development in a short time and it doesn’t take away from the action. Fast paced.