The Beach: The History of Paradise on Earth
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Book Overview
Here for the first time is the full story of the seashore: its natural and social history, spectacles, and scandals. The turquoise surf and sugary sand of the beach make it a favorite retreat today, but this wasn't always so. The oceans of antiquity engendered contradictory feelings. Greek and Roman myths filled it with bellicose monsters and alluring sirens. Medieval Europeans feared immersion in water. But the rediscovery of its medicinal attractions in the seventeenth century soon glorified the beach as an avenue for social pursuits.
In this elegant and illuminating account, Lencek and Bosker chart the evolution of the seaside from the margins of civilization, when "exotic" meant remote and terrifying, to its present role as the center of recreation and escape. Sexuality, health, fashion, sport, beach architecture, and beachwear all have their place in the progression toward the beach resorts that represent nirvana for the twentieth-century pleasure seeker.
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Customer Reviews
Rated 4 starsAn unusual book for the historical romance genre (includes *spoilers*)
This is my first book by Debra Mullins and I am definitely interested in reading more of her work in the future. Just One Touch is very unusual in the historical romance genre in that it tackles - and pretty successfully, IMO - the issue of rape/sexual abuse. This is not something that is written about much in this genre and when I have read a book where a character has been raped or abused, I've found that authors often don't...
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Rated 5 starsLove It...
This book draws you in immediately. Most books that I have read takes a couple chapters to really draw you in, but this one gets you instantly. Both Rogan and Caroline are hurt deeply by past experiences. Yet both their experiences help each other to overcome them. While their love builds so does the tension of a evil man scheming to get his hands on something Caroline and Rogan have. He will go to any kind of lenghts to...
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Rated 5 starsA Very Romantic And Moving Read!!
I have been a long time fan of Ms. Mullins and I must say that I think her writing is only getting better with each effort she produces. "Just One Touch" is without a doubt is one romantic and moving read that fans of the romance genre will not want to miss. Lady Caroline Ware lives in fear. She was abducted when she was a young girl and tormented. She is now a grown woman and is terrified of men. She is on her way home...
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Rated 5 starsWildly Romantic and Touching 4-1/2*
Rogan Hunt had been known as a notorious wastrel with a disreputable history. Since coming home from the war he was determined in rebuilding his family's ruined estate and once renowned stables. Racing though the night to let off steam and drive the beasts away that tormented him, he came upon a lady in distress being accosted by brigands. The damsel was the very beautiful and reclusive Lady Caroline Ware, whom he'd admired...
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Rated 4 starswonderful Regency romance
The Duke knows he is dying and has one worry the welfare of his adult daughter Caroline. Years ago she was abducted and though rescued fears the touch of a man. When the Duke meets Rogan Hunt he feels he has found an honorable man who will see to the welfare of his beloved Caroline after he dies. He learns Rogan is obsessed with restoring the honor and reputation to his family name, which starts with money to pay off debts...
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