A longtime coast watcher tells the story of the beautiful and ever-changing coast of North Carolina--rich in culture, history, and landscape--with words and photographs.

This gorgeous, richly illustrated book for visitors and residents alike details the charms and controversies of the "banks" of North Carolina. Hatcher highlights the current wonders of the famous coast, as well as an intriguing history that includes the familiar Outer Banks legendary Wright Brothers flight, the Graveyard of the Atlantic, and the picturesque lighthouses, as well as the lesser known Chitlin' Circuit beach resort, a 1898 coup d'etat, and a controversial sea bird. Told with an ear for the native language and local lore, with a taste for the water and its riches, and above all, with an eye toward the preservation of a vanishing environment and culture, this will be the go-to book for readers who want an overview of the North Carolina coastal region.