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Coastwise examines the coastline of the British Isles as a dynamic environment and offers you an understandable explanation of how the coastline functions as a single entity. It is supported by hundreds of stunning photos and illustrations.
It begins by exploring how the forces of nature combine to create its physical features (and continue to do so). This is a multifaceted story that involves ancient geology and powerful ocean forces. It then turns to the living nature of the coast, covering the unique plants, animals and other organisms whose interdependence keeps the coast alive and healthy. These amazing creatures are described and displayed in full colour. The third part of the book looks at how humans have interacted with the coast, using it for defence, commerce and leisure. It explores these aspects from the earliest times to the present day. The final section shows, for each coastal region, where the features discussed in the book can be observed and enjoyed, giving you a practical way of exploring the elements described in Coastwise.
All aspects of the coast are covered, making it essential reading – or a wonderful gift – for all those who spend time on Britain's coast. As Countryfile presenter, Tom Heap, says in his foreword: "These pages are a practical love letter to Britain's waterfront and no seaside holiday home should be without them".
Peter Firstbrook studied oceanography and geography at university before spending five years in post-graduate research. He is now a filmmaker, writer, and RYA Yachtmaster with more than 50 years of sailing experience. He is the author of six books, including Lost on Everest which won the Trento Mountain Book Festival award.
"This subtly passionate book is the perfect companion to anyone with an interest in the coast [...] As a sailor, scientist and programme maker Peter Firstbroook is clearly smitten by the bit of this country where solid meets liquid [...] The breadth of this book is staggering [...] Coastwise is unafraid of a little light science and much the better for it. Knowledge helps us get so much more out of the coast [...] These pages are a practical love letter to Britain's waterfront and no seaside holiday home should be without them."
– Tom Heap, Countryfile Presenter
"Coastwise is a particularly well-structured book [...] Every statement is immediately illustrated with a photograph [...] In itself, it's a thoroughly useful – and very attractive – volume [...] It would make a useful family possession and an excellent gift for interested youngsters, ready to make discoveries for themselves."
– Yachting Monthly, November 2021
"Sailors and coastal dwellers and explorers will love it but everybody will find answers questions they've had about the shoreline [...] It's jam-packed full of photographs and diagrams, and finds a perfect balance between sometimes complex concepts and easy reading. It's accessible, very readable and endlessly fascinating. It's basically an encyclopaedia of the coast."
– Kit Pascoe
