Instigated by the Ministry of Culture and Heritage and published by David Bateman, this book contains articles written by Ministry scholars covering the full gamut of topics involving the sea that totally surrounds New Zealand - the challenges of maritime transport in both pre- and post-European times, harvesting seafood both commercially and recreationally, the coast, including navigation and map making, ports, shipbuilding (and yes, beach culture) - and seawater sport.
The cover is fairly insipid as are the wallpaper type photos used in introductory pages (one can't help but contemplate what a renowned photographer like Philip Plisson of France could have done) but once you're past them, there are many interesting and enjoyable illustrations from both history and the present, all expertly arranged by Bateman's art team.
It is unlikely that people who pick the book up will be interested in everything in it, but there is plenty to appeal to those who follow the history of sea vessels and shipping. The endmatter contains a comprehensive list of further reading on each topic, although some important volumes are notably omitted.
The book is available for $69 from the transpress shop.
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