Jaws: A Novel

Peter Benchley

Jul 2012 · Sold by Fawcett

About this ebook

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The shark-versus-man classic that inspired the blockbuster Steven Spielberg movie

“A tightly written, tautly paced study of terror.”—The Washington Post

A great white shark terrorizes the beautiful summer getaway of Amity Island, and a motley group of men take to the water to do battle with the beast. A heart-pounding novel of suspense and a brilliant meditation on the nature of humanity, Jaws is one of the most iconic thrillers ever written. 

This edition features bonus content from Peter Benchley’s archives, including the manuscript’s original typed title page, a brainstorming list of possible titles, a letter from Benchley to film producer David Brown with candid 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.

After writing Jaws in the early 1970s, Peter Benchley was actively engaged with scientists and filmmakers, and over the ensuing decades, joined many expeditions around the world as they expanded their knowledge of sharks and shark behavior. 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.

Ratings and reviews

Awful. I've aways loved the film, as have so many kids growing up in the 1970s. I am currently 3/4 through the book and no shark, no Quint! However, Matt Hooper, the shark expert, is sleeping with the police chief's wife. She hates the chief because he's a poor townie who seems to have tricked her into marrying her. The mayor only wants to open the beaches because he's involved in illegal land deals with the New York mafia. If I wanted Peyton Place, I would have searched for it. This is not a thriller about a shark, it is a soap opera.

Having watched "Jaws" the movie, I really liked this book. it gave me more clarity of the characters. An adventurous thriller of a lifetime.

But a lot of it was over my head then - now that I am 50, I understand the stuff that wasn't in the movie at all. It was a much better story because of the so called distracting elements that were stripped out of it in the movie script.

About the author

Peter Benchley began his career as a novelist in 1974 with the publication of Jaws, which was made into a hugely successful film. His other books include The Deep, The Island, The Girl of the Sea of Cortez, “Q” Clearance, Rummies, Beast, White Shark, and Shark Trouble. He was also a speechwriter for President Lyndon Johnson and a journalist for such magazines as Newsweek and National Geographic. Benchley died in 2006. For more information, please visit www.peterbenchley.com.