The Beachcomber's Companion

A lovely beach house book or hostess gift, perfect for any beachy coffee table.

Breezy, inviting, and delightful—just like a day at the beach—The Beachcomber's Companion is a charming illustrated guide to collecting and identifying shells and other coastal treasures. Each of the entries includes fascinating descriptions, fun tidbits, and detailed artwork that makes it easy for readers to identify their own beach discoveries. A handy resource section offers tips on how to prepare before setting out on a shoreline adventure: from the beachcomber's commandments to must-have items for every beachcombing toolkit and advice on preserving shells. Awash with information and gorgeous watercolor illustrations, this is an essential companion for all who love the ocean's shore.

Anna Marlis Burgard is the founding author of Islands of America (www.islandsofamerica.com), a multimedia venture that explores island arts, cuisines, histories, and wildlife. As a lifelong beachcomber, Burgard has visited 130 of the more than 20,000 islands in the United States. She lives on Tybee Island in Georgia, whose state shell is the knobbed whelk.