Description
Book SynopsisThis text is a cutural portrait of the Mid-Atlantic coastal ecosystem. It traces the area's cultural and ecological histories, arguing that the two are inextricably linked, and that enviromental degredation follows the loss of understanding of coastal ecosystems.
Trade Review“[Griffith] offers a wonderful, timely book for those concerned about loss—not only the deterioration of the estuaries and ecological systems, but loss of community, way of life and livelihood, and control of the political process.”
—P. D. Travis Choice
“The necessity for a concise cultural biography of the Atlantic Coast is reflected in the headlines of current newspapers concerning net bans, beach access, water pollution, and heritage tourism. Through a haze of media interpretation of bureaucratic, scientific, and political rhetoric comes a book dedicated to understanding the cultural identity of coastal dwellers and their significance to the global community. . . . Don’t read this book if you plan to go to the beach wearing rose-colored sunglasses with no intention of giving back to the gift given.”
—Connie Mason North Carolina Historical Review
“These eight delightfully written essays beautifully illustrate the concept of bioregionalism. Telling the stories of the fishers of the mid-Atlantic coast, David Griffith weaves a powerful tale of the interrelationship of people and their natural environment. He shares stories and observations based on extensive interviews, conducted over a number of years as parts of studies for understanding the impact of fishing regulations on commercial fishers. . . . The Estuary’s Gift would be wonderful . . . for discussion in a class on bioregions or the interrelationships between people and nature.”
—Margot W. Garcia Rural Sociology
“Heavily focused on developments of the last decade, his book is one of the best-drawn, best-explained depictions yet of the wide variety of practical, social, and political situations watermen and women find themselves in right now.
For those who are unfamiliar with the Carolina coast, Griffith’s strong combination of overview and case study will both complement and update earlier works. Those with substantial awareness of the area and its sub-regions will also find Griffith’s work both illuminating and alarming, as The Estuary’s Gift reminds us anew how vast and amazing this territory is, how complex its history and—no less so—its present.”
—Bland Simpson Journal of Southern History
“It is the strength of nuance contained in these essays that makes this book a ‘must read’ for those interested in maritime studies and coastal ecology. While there have been many books written lately that claim to be intimate portrayals of a community’s relationships with the sea, Griffith’s unique base of knowledge makes his the most effective of the lot. Additionally, the text’s brevity and use of authentic people and stories make it an excellent choice as a humanities text in marine ecology courses.”
—Brian Black American Neptune
