The Secret History of Sharks

The Rise of the Ocean's Most Fearsome Predators

By: John Long

Narrated by: John Long

From ancient megalodons to fearsome Great Whites, this book tells the complete, untold story of how sharks emerged as Earth’s ultimate survivors, by world-leading paleontologist John Long.

“Will keep you on the edge of your seat from its first page to its last page.”—Jared Diamond, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Guns, Germs, and Steel

Sharks have been fighting for their lives for 500 million years and today are under dire threat. They are the longest-surviving vertebrate on Earth, outlasting multiple mass extinction events that decimated life on the planet. But how did they thrive for so long? By developing superpower-like abilities that allowed them to ascend to the top of the oceanic food chain.

John Long, who for decades has been on the cutting edge of shark research, weaves a thrilling story of sharks’ unparalleled reign. The Secret History of Sharks showcases the global search to discover sharks’ largely unknown evolution, led by Long and dozens of other extraordinary scientists. They embark on digs to all seven continents, investigating layers of rock and using cutting-edge technology to reveal never-before-found fossils and the clues to sharks’ singular story.

As the tale unfolds, Long introduces an enormous range of astonishing organisms: a thirty-foot-long shark with a deadly saw blade of jagged teeth protruding from its lower jaws, a monster giant clams crusher, and bizarre sharks fossilized while in their mating ritual. The book also includes startling new facts about the mighty megalodon, with its sixty-six-foot-long body, massive jaws, and six-inch serrated teeth.

With insights into the threats to sharks today, how they contribute to medical advances, and the lessons they can teach us about our own survival, The Secret History of Sharks is a riveting look at scientific discovery with ramifications far beyond the ocean.


* This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF that contains a list of scientific names, a glossary of terms and selected photos, maps and other visual representations of subjects explored in the book.

Wonderful book!

I really enjoyed this book. Sharks are amazing! The author’s narration was great. Highly recommend this book.

Sharks the ancient ones.

Superbly written. Covers the history of sharks from their earliest emergence, over 400 million years ago, to today. The author presents complex science in an accessible way with a minimum of specialist jargon and a plethora of amusing anecdotes. If you’re interested in sharks at all give this book a shot. You won’t be disappointed.

Great for shark enthusiasts

Entertaining and educational book that takes you through the history of sharks. Highly recommend to anyone who loves natural history.

My only complaint is that it wasn’t longer!

Amazing book and citing studies to research, as well as some antidotes that make you remember not all humans suck.

An Engaging and Fun Read with A Lot of Information

I was excited to hear Dr. Long annouce this book recently and immediately purchased it. I was not disappointed! It was such a great read providing a ton of information peppered with personal anecdotes making it feel not like a lecture, but like you were having a chat with Dr. Long. I am a complete layperosn, but slightly obsessed with sharks and have watched pretty much every documentary on them and frequently travel to places to have shark encounters while SCUBA diving. That being said, I learned so many new things about sharks, both past and present. Highly recommend this audiobook!