I was so pleased to receive my copy of A Coast for All Seasons. As a former member of Miles Hayes’ Coastal Research Group at USC, I loved seeing the compilation of many years’ work released, as Orrin Pilkey says, in “such a comprehensive yet readable” form. South Carolina has one of the most beautiful, dynamic coastlines in the world and A Coast for All Seasons pays apt tribute to the region. Miles and Jacqui have written a terrific guide to the coast for both the trained geologist/naturalist and the everyday reader who is interested in learning more about his/her world. Part I is a veritable encyclopedia of coastal processes and their resulting landforms. From discussion of the geologic history of the region to descriptions of each distinct coastal environment, the authors write in clear, concise and understandable terms. The book contains abundant diagrams and wonderful color photographs of the coast as viewed from both the ground and the air. Part II is an informative travel guide to each of the distinct “compartments” of the coast. Suggestions of places to visit and information about the flora and fauna indigenous to each area make this section particularly useful to those living and traveling in South Carolina. Miles and Jacqui have found another niche in which to share their knowledge and expertise in coastal processes. I personally look forward to their future publications about other significant coastal regions in the U.S. and the world.

Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!]