The Bermuda Triangle is a best-selling 1974 book by Charles Berlitz which popularized the belief of the Bermuda Triangle as an area of ocean prone to disappearing ships and airplanes. The book sold nearly 20 million copies in 30 languages. In the book, Berlitz lists several theories for the purported disappearances, although he only gives credence to theories that have natural background.

          The book was the subject of criticism in Larry Kusche’s 1975 work The Bermuda Triangle Mystery—Solved, in which Kusche cites errors in the reports of missing ships. Lloyd’s of London has determined the Triangle to be no more dangerous than any other piece of the ocean, and does not charge unusual rates of insurance for passage through the area. Coast Guard records confirm this determination. However, tales of missing ships, although promoted by Berlitz, existed prior to the book’s publication. The book was later the basis for a theatrical film released in 1978.