The Edge of the Sea explores the shoreline, where land and ocean meet. Carson guides the reader along three kinds of Atlantic coast: rocky shores, sandy beaches and coral reefs. She describes the plants and animals that live in each, how they cope with tides and waves, and how they depend on one another.
The book works as both a seashore companion and a thoughtful essay on the patterns of life. Illustrations by Bob Hines help readers recognise what they see. It invites slow, close looking at small places that are easily overlooked.