There's everything from classic tales of wreck discoveries to encounters with beautiful and bizarre creatures beneath the waves. There are stories of death and disaster as well as bravery and triumph. Each tale has been chosen to stoke the fire of divers everywhere and some are illustrated with colour photographs.

Take the plunge and read about the diver who discovered how to put sharks in a trance and the marine biologist who lost a limb trying to proving that sharks were safe to swim with. There's the tale behind the Red Sea's most famous wreck, as well the Titanic's sister ship that keeps claiming divers' lives. Read about the politician attacked by a turtle, the saltwater crocodile that lost a sub–aqua scuffle and the eel feeding frenzy that almost claimed a life.

The exciting and the extreme rub shoulders with more poetic pieces about the people and places that make up the folklore of this fascinating sport, and some are even brought to life by the author's photography. This global tour takes you everywhere: from Indonesia to the Caribbean and from the chill waters of Northern Europe to the reefs of the Pacific. Stories of technical pioneers are accompanied by quirky tales of adventure beneath the waves.

Every ocean of the world is explored making this essential reading – or a wonderful gift – for divers everywhere.