A lyrical and personal meditation on the Outer Beach of Cape Cod, The Great Beach blends natural observation with historical reflection. John Hay explores the evolving shoreline, the life that thrives there, and the power of wind and tide to shape land and human memory. From the legacy of the Pilgrims and shipwrecks to the mysteries of sea life and the fragility of sand dunes, this book is both a tribute and a warning. Hay's firsthand walks, encounters with wildlife, and environmental insight give the Cape's shifting coast the attention of both poet and conservationist. Originally published in 1963, this quiet classic continues to speak to the awe of nature and the need for stewardship.