Book cover of The Edge of the Sea

Book description

In The Edge of the Sea Rachel Carson introduces us to the 'strange and beautiful place' where the sea meets the land. She explores a tide pool, an inaccessible cave, and watches a lone crab on the shore at midnight. From these, and other, encounters she offers us not just…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked The Edge of the Sea as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Once again, there's a poetic quality in this discussion of the shore and the life within it.

The author talks about the lives of the creatures that live in the empty shells we find and the kinds of creatures found on rocky shores, sandy beaches, and coral reefs. Along the Maine coast are the surf zone and tide pools, where barnacles, limpets, and periwinkles live along rocky shores. On sandy beaches, we explore the holes and tracks of crabs and the burrows of clams and whelks that come out at low tide.

She discusses geologic history in the reefs off…

From Judith's list on the marine environment.

Most people have heard of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, but her other books—including this one from her sea trilogy—are lesser known. The Edge of the Sea is a luminous, precise, and exquisite book, and since reading, I haven’t been able to look at a coastline without being reminded of it.

Carson explores the sea’s edge as a liminal, constantly shifting place. Her scientific knowledge creates a detailed sense of its meaning and detail, and her poetic, vital prose is a joy to read. Carson clearly loves what she writes about, and her passion is infectious!

From Helen's list on reconnecting with nature.

If you love The Edge of the Sea...

Ad

Book cover of The High House

The High House by James Stoddard,

The Victorian mansion, Evenmere, is the mechanism that runs the universe.

The lamps must be lit, or the stars die. The clocks must be wound, or Time ceases. The Balance between Order and Chaos must be preserved, or Existence crumbles.

Appointed the Steward of Evenmere, Carter Anderson must learn the…

Want books like The Edge of the Sea?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 67 books like The Edge of the Sea.

Browse books like The Edge of the Sea

Book cover of The Old Ways
Book cover of Nature Cure
Book cover of Findings

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,210

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like The Edge of the Sea, you might also like...

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Book cover of The Duke's Christmas Redemption

The Duke's Christmas Redemption by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke who has rejected love, a Lady who dreams of a love match, an arranged marriage, a house full of secrets, a most unneighborly neighbor, a plot to destroy reputations, an unexpected love that redeems it all.

Lady Charlotte Wyndham, given in an arranged marriage to a man she…

5 book lists we think you will like!