An immersive history of our coasts and the people who have shaped them The coast means something different to everyone. It's a place of pleasure and reckless pursuits, of fishing, fearless endeavours and a crashing, rugged beauty. The coast is, and always has been, our first line of defence and our springboard to other cultures. Through the lens of 100 carefully selected objects, this treasure chest of a book delves into the myriad ways our coastlines have shaped, and been shaped by, our history, culture, and identity. From Roman lighthouses to rosary beads, knitted jumpers to Viking slave shackles, each object serves as a portal to a unique story. Sally Coulthard's engaging narrative goes far beyond the traditional seaside holiday to illuminate the coast's role as a first line of defence, a site of trade, and a catalyst for cultural exchange. Readers will discover how the coast has influenced our beliefs, economy, and even our domestic lives. And, looking out to sea, this book will show how Britain's story is anchored to those of our European neighbours and of faraway lands.

From one of Britain's finest historians of material culture, this book vividly captures the enduring magic and significance of our shores. Whether it's smugglers' underpants or sailor's hoaxes, whale vomit or pickled puffin - it all washes up on the British coast. Beautifully illustrated with bespoke linocut drawings by acclaimed artist Neil Gower. Promotion will target partnerships with organisations like the National Trust, English Heritage, RNLI, National Parks and non-traditional accounts like museum shops, high street heritage shops etc. National Maritime Museums (London and Cornwall), The Seaside Museum Herne Bay, Scarborough Museums and Galleries. Covers a vast range of locations and places up and down the country, with plenty of scope to link in region and place-specific talks and promotional activities. Sally has a degree in Archaeology and Anthropology from Oxford and has brought this to bear in the research. Endorsements will come from a host of other prominent public figures.

Sally also writes a column for Country Living magazine called 'A Good Life' She also has a beautiful and high-quality social media presence dedicated primarily to her life on a smallholding in North Yorkshire. On Instagram as @salcoulthard Competition: Seashaken Houses;Islander;The Draw of the Sea;Dark, Salt, Clear;Coastlines;The Book of Tides;The Channel;Life Between the Tides;Lost to the Sea. Wyl Menmuir;Tom Nancollas;Lamorna Ash;Patrick Barkham;Adam Nicolson;.