The Beach The History of Paradise on Earth Hardback - 1998

From the publisher

As dazzling and seductive as the landscape it celebrates, here's the first book to tell the story of the beach -- its history, customs, spectacles, and scandals

Blue-green surf, pillowy white sand, and a warm salty breeze -- when it comes to restoring body and soul, no place in the world can compete with the beach. Nature's most potent antidepressant, the seashore is today -- but wasn't always -- everyone's favorite getaway spot. With an entertaining historical account as its narrative framework, this elegantly designed volume charts the evolution of the seaside from a wasteland at the margins of civilization -- remote, terror filled, and exotic -- to its present role as the central staging ground for diversions of all sorts: escape, re-creation, and congregation. A marvelous selection of images evokes the beach's hypnotic appeal -- everything from impressionist paintings and fascinating lithographs to archival photographs and quirky advertising art -- as the text explores the histories of sexuality, fashion, and sport; the rise of great resorts from Coney Island to Cap d'Antibes; and the evolution of leisure itself. Also included is an appendix of the world's most beautiful, luxurious, and unspoiled beaches. The Beach will be a pleasure to any reader who loves to settle down on the sand with a great -- and fascinating -- book.