World Shores and Beaches: A Descriptive and Historical Guide to 50 Coastal Treasures [Paperback]

Mary Ellen Snodgrass (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0786418869 | ISBN-13: 978-0786418862 | Publication Date: August 1, 2005

Much diversity exists among the beaches and shores of the world. Some have features as unique as fingerprints, from the cliff divers of Acapulco to the Samoan herbalists of Ofu Island. In Vietnam, Halong Bay charged aboriginal imaginations with its sea corridors, rock spindles, and sculpted tors. At Punta Espinosa, Ferdinanda, life’s clear model of biological engineering influenced the scientific philosophy of Charles Darwin. This reference work begins with an introduction expressing the significance of beaches and shores to human history, religion, philosophy, and eco-awareness. Each entry begins with a topographical description and contacts for the region, discusses topics such as mythical and tribal stories, artistry, religious meanings and pilgrimages, activism, conquests and the slave trade, piracy, human development, and tourism, and concludes with a summary of coastal activities available today. The work also includes a glossary, appendices of beaches and shores arranged by country, and selected literary works and films arranged alphabetically and chronologically. From “Nukey Poo,” the Antarctic nuclear reactor, to sandcastle contests at Woolacombe, Devon, this encyclopedia covers fascinating aspects of the world’s coasts.

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About the Author

The prolific and award-winning Mary Ellen Snodgrass lives and writes in Hickory, North Carolina. She is also the author of World Epidemics (2003),Coins and Currency (2003), Encyclopedia of World Scriptures (2001), Who’s Who in the Middle Ages (2001), and the coauthor of A Multicultural Dictionary of Literary Terms (1999, with Gary Carey).

Product Details

• Paperback: 318 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company (August 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786418869
• ISBN-13: 978-0786418862
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,973,030 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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