'It is no coincidence that so many of the world's creation myths involve water. Out of this apparent void, all else is born. Not surprising, then, that the sea holds such a primeval fascination. We are, in so many ways, made of water.' (From the Introduction) The sea is the first wonder of the world, and this stunning book celebrates it in all its wonderful variety. Source of all life, key to our survival and home to innumerable and astonishing life forms, the sea has fascinated humanity from its very beginnings. At once remote yet all around us, beautiful and strange, wild and peaceful, it is a host of paradoxes and has provided the inspiration for great poetry, literature, art, music - and photography. This spectacular book showcases some of the most stunning images of our oceans: the drama of waves crashing into the land, breathtaking views from the air, glacial images of the Antarctic, the vast wilderness of mid ocean, the weird and wonderful wildlife found beneath it, beautiful yachts and working boats that power across its surface and the heavenly island paradises surrounded by tranquil waters. Setting the photography into context geographically, historically and philosophically, the evocative text draws out the grandeur, magic and mystery of the glorious photography. This beautiful book will be a valued and much-loved source of wonder and inspiration.