THE STUNNING NEW BOOK FROM THE HOST OF BBC 2'S VILLAGES BY THE SEA

From prehistory to the modern era, our coastline had shaped Britain, not only physically but socially, economically and culturally. Far from being at the margins of national interests, the coast has been at the heart of the British people's most important endeavours and central to era-defining national events. For thousands of years the coastline has been both Britain's frontier and its connection to the wider world.

Exploring key coastal themes throughout British history and introducing some of the most significant, intriguing and quirky places that express the pivotal role our coastal heritage has played, archaeologist and presenter Ben Robinson looks to our coastline to tell not only the stories of our past, but also of our present. From artefacts lost by hunter-gatherers in a land beneath the sea to bustling medieval ports, smugglers' caves, early seaside resorts, fortifications and secret bases, the coast is resplendent with fascinating history to explore and enjoy.

Interwoven with the author's own experiences, through his boundless historical knowledge the reader will learn of ancient legends, villages and towns lost to the waves, happy holiday memories and artistic expression are all invoked by places where the land meets the sea.