With Britain's coast under mounting pressure from pollution and development, this book serves as a reminder of what we stand to lose. It is based on the same formula as Brian Martin's "Tales of the Old Countrymen" and "Tales of the Old Gamekeepers". This time he has visited all corners of Britain's coastline to track down a variety of old coastal characters, and uses their own words, wherever possible, to describe their personal trials and triumphs, from days of deep poverty and disaster to deeds of heroism. These men, all united in their love of the coast, have worked in diverse occupations from lighthouse-keeper, coastguard and lifeboatman to fisherman, pony-back postman and cliff-climbing egg collector. Despite the rigours of their existence, literally battling against storm and tempest, they have also enjoyed many moments of tranquillity, at the same time making remarkable observations of wildlife.