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Sea Pools: 66 saltwater sanctuaries from around the world
£19.60£23.80 (-18%)
A celebration of sea swimming – looking at the architecture, history and social significance of sea pools around the world.
The sea can be challenging and changeable. Protected from the dangers of currents, crashing waves and extreme cold, sea pools (also known as tidal or ocean pools) are manmade pools that provide a safe space for swimmers to enjoy the benefits of the sea at all states of the tide and weather.
Sea Pools begins with an introduction to sea pools within the history of outdoor swimming, their unique designs and architectural significance and commentary on the resurgent appreciation for sea swimming in the 21st century. Chris Romer-Lee selects 66 of the most beautiful and culturally significant sea pools from around the world, including the 25-metre cliffside Avalon Rock Pool in new South Wales, Australia, the sublime Pozo de las Calcosas in Spain that is shrouded in volcanic rock, and Ireland’s historic Vico Baths to name but a few.
Sea Pools also includes four insightful essays: Nicola Larkin looks to the next generation of ocean pools in her exploration of how we can conserve, protect and regenerate the coastline; Therese Spruhan testifies to the healing and transformative benefits of ocean swimming; Freya Bromley discusses her odyssey to swim in every sea pool in Britain; and Kevin Fellingham reflects on the importance of sea pools in South Africa.
The book is illustrated throughout with beautiful colour photography, as well as fascinating archive material to give an insight into the provenance of these vital sanctuaries.
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Additional information
| Publisher | 1st edition (3 Aug. 2023), Batsford |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Hardcover | 192 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1849947678 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1849947671 |
| Dimensions | 22.48 x 2.41 x 28.45 cm |
by Lindsay Hawdon
Such a beautiful book. Beautifully written, beautifully researched and beautifully photographed. I’ve had it out on my coffee table every since buying it and all visitors to my home never cease to pick it up and comment on how lovely it is. I’d like to swim in every pool mentioned by Christoper Romer-Lee. It’s a complete delight of a book, spectacular in scope, and a sanctuary to disappear into on a rainy Autumnal day.
by Peter Morris
I loved this book. The photography is stunning. You can taste the salt water and feel the sun on your back just by looking at them. I also loved the storeys associated with each pool. This book could happily be used as a travel guide, but it is more than that – this is a social history book, about how sea pools have intrinsically been linked to our social culture. It also begs the question of what is their future!
by Miss N F Raeside
Stunning book, gave it to a friend as a gift who loves sea pools and needless to say she loved it. Am now buying a second to give to another friend
by Mrs C Mole
Stunning photos and fabulous research. Makes you want to swim in every one of these pools and meet the communities around them. HIGHLY recommended
by Amazon customer
The book is a wonderful celebration of tidal pools across the world. You can browse through great portrayals of stunning havens for outdoor swimming and learn about the history of efforts to provide locals and holidaymakers alike with bathing opportunities in oceans, seas and tidal rivers.
by Amazon Customer
A lovely book full of beautiful photographs and inspirational places to visit. Thank you!
by Mr B Wyatt
Captivating. A real gem of a book. Stunning photos, beautifully written and researched. Clearly a passion project of the author, and his passion for these wonderful structures shines through on every page. Not only does he bring passion to this subject but an expert eye as an award-winning architect which gives the full picture on not only the value of sea pools for the people they serve, but also the human triumph of their construction and the continuing preservation from generation to generation. The thread running through this lovely book is that the sea pools, wherever they are in the world, were built or developed with a sense of civic pride and the value of human community and spirit. Highly recommended as one to own and also gift to a friend or a loved one – and then plan your road trip or holiday to one or more of these wonderful places!