The part of the Suffolk coast that embraces Southwold and Aldeburgh has a rich history in its relationship between its inhabitants and the North Sea. This is a paradise for writers, artists, walkers, bird watchers and all those who want a holiday away from some of the excesses of the typical seaside resorts. There are golden sands, shinglebanks, crumbling cliffs, lost towns, heathland walks and all the time the restless sea rolling in. 'There is no sea like the Aldeburgh sea, it speaks to me, ' wrote the poet Edward Fitzgerald and it still speaks to anyone who wants to hear it that visits this fascinating area. Michael Rouse's photographs capture the places today, while the selection of old photographs record holidaymakers and scenes from over one hundred years ago. This is a nostalgic journey back in time for residents and visitors alike

"This book explains how this distinctive landscape - the Sandlings or, to use an older name, the 'Sandlands' - evolved over centuries through the interaction of people and nature. Tom Williamson examines the origins and development of both the wildlife habitats and the wider landscape of fields, farms, towns and settlements. The landscape was firmly shaped by the hand of man. Yet at the same time, the character of local communities has itself been moulded by nature - and in particular, by the poor acid soils and the ever-changing form of the coast."--Jacket.