I found this book fascinating. I have been driving down Route 13 through Delaware, Maryland and Virginia on our way to Nags Head NC for the past 10 years, and this book makes me want to visit Crisfield as soon as I see the sign. We are headed to Nags Head again for vacation in less than two weeks. I did not find this book technical at all. Also, the fact that it was written over 30 years ago should not deter you from reading it. It is timeless. In fact, this book makes you want to do more research on how the environmental aspects of the Chesapeake Bay have changed since this book's publishing. If you have ever eaten a crab (or caught one), you will not be disappointed.
August 17, 2008

Beautiful Swimmers

If you are interested in the Chesepeake Bay and life of the waterman this is a great read. It tells a lot about the life cycle of the blue crab and the oyster industry. Also tells a pretty good account of the history of the Maryland and Virginia seafood industry. It sadly tells of the development of the area and the life style changes. Having grown up in this environment it easy to see the author spent many years researching the area to give and accurate account. Those living in the area consider it a classic.
August 15, 2008

Beautiful Swimmers- A beautiful gem of a book.

Very well written. A medley of history, biology,vanishing resources and lifestyles. Seen through the eyes of the scientist author and through the eyes of the watermen of the Bay, it is always interesting, never dull.
A topic as relevant then as it is today.
January 02, 2008

A LIFE CHANGING READ

Growing up in Northern Virginia I always had a vague sense of the crab's popularity, both for dining and as a sort of a local mascot for people who live near the Bay. However, I had only eaten them at my aunt's house in Benedict, MD. and thought them to be strange and hard to eat. They made me feel inferior some how not knowing the technique and how exactly my aunt was able to come up with these bushels during the warm summer months. I dedicated last summer to learning all about the Bay and the blue crab and the wonderful people who make a living off them. I was transformed with the knowledge from the book that explains so many details about the life of the crab, the watermen and their families. The author is so creative with the insights he reveals. After reading this book, I am equipped to speak intelligently about the geographical areas, crab industry and most importantly-how to get and eat these beautiful swimmers!
May 29, 2007

Attention to Detail

Whereas I found this book to be quite informative, the author's attention to detail about every aspect and apparatus of a waterman's life on the Cheasapeake Bay to be a bit much. I found it difficult to find interest in how many eel baits were used on a trotline and how close together they were spaced. Not being well versed on the parts of various fishing vessels, I found myself lost as to what the author was writing about not to mention the numerous detailed descriptions of every piece of fishing apparatus employed by watermen.
June 03, 2006

SIMILAR PRODUCTS

An Island Out of Time: A Memoir of Smith Island in the Chesapeake
by Tom Horton

Chesapeake: A Novel
by James A. Michener

Life in the Chesapeake Bay
by Alice Jane Lippson, Robert L. Lippson

Pirates on the Chesapeake: Being a True History of Pirates, Picaroons, and Raiders on Chesapeake Bay, 1610-1807
by Donald G. Shomette

All About Blue Crabs: And How to Catch Them
by Russell Roberts