The Edge of Maine

by Geoffrey Wolff

Novelist and biographer Geoffrey Wolff has spent many summers in Maine—sailing its coastal waters, climbing its rocky peaks, and communing with its natives. Now, with the voice of a passionate insider, he brings readers into the heart of this striking region and explains what makes it unique. Starting with a gripping tale about being lost offshore in the fog with inadequate navigational aids, Wolff goes on to describe the coast’s geological history and discovery by Europeans. He then turns a keen eye towards Mainers, their mores and peculiarities, and to the summer rusticators who for generations have invaded the stunning waterfronts. A section on boat building celebrates the extraordinary rescue of Maine’s foremost craft; another on lobsters tells the rich story of the custom, taste, commerce, environmental conflict, and scientific mystery surrounding these critical crustaceans. Here is a true feast—travel literature at its best.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay, as a born and raised Mainer he rubbed me the wrong way a bit, I could tell he hadn't spent a lot of time here in the winters. He did make some funny points about "the Fog" and the black flies and I praise him for his comments on working waterfront and taxes for people who have lived here for generations.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book to ready while sailing from Casco to Penobscot Bays, generally in good weather, but with plenty of memories of fog and rain, while crossing paths with untold lobsterman in our sloop.
Wolff does a great job of including fellow writers’ descriptions of sailing in these waters. Despite two decades of sailing in these waters, I continue to feel as one “from away” but respect the culture of the shoreline including the independence, self-reliance, skills, and politeness of those who live and work here.
There is much more that may be written but this is a great introduction.
Written at Warren Island, Islesboro from neither a rústicator nor a native but happy visitor.

[Linda C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of pieces by Wolff explores the history, geography and legend of the coast of Maine. He begins with the tale of his sail with his wife and 2 sons on their boat the Blackwing from Rhode Island to Monheghan Island; the fog they encountered and their eventual landing on Ragged Island. Other pieces cover other sails to various locations and descriptions of these places in history and the lore of the land. Historical figures and local characters come to life. A fun read for Maine enthusiasts.

[Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

An indulgence of a book, a fireside chat from an old uncle that holds interest but never feels penetrating, well-dug. It has interest and a deep familiarity with the locality, amusing stories and tidbits, but it's definitely a light read.

A mix of memoir, history, and geography of a remote coastal place of money and inequality that feels like so many of these depictions to tell a larger story of White America.

But it doesn't feel essential or confessional, which is what makes the best of these memoir-explorations. Charming, nothing less and nothing more.

[Beth Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sprawling and varied account of places in Maine this author has experienced on land & sea. I am a fan of this publishing series by National Geographic, it has been fun to explore places I have been & haven't been through these books.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book 5 stars because so much of the material struck home. I am familiar with most of the places discussed and have sailed a number of times in Maine (and elsewhere). Yes, he does digress, but even the digressions were interesting. Sort of like spending an evening in the cockpit with Mr. Wolffe having a conversation over a glass (two) of wine. The clincher though, was when I realized I was reading about harvesting blocks of ice from the frozen rivers of Maine a hundred years ago while I was waiting in line in August in Arizona, motor running, to have my car inspected. Now THAT"S serendipity! I must get a copy of his Providence!

[Alice Persons · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this was worth reading, but it did not measure up my expectations as a whole. I am not a Mainer but have lived here 35 years. Some of Wolff's observations border on the condescending, I thought. There was too much detail about sailing for my taste. He also got some details just plain wrong. Affluent "from away" people have their own perspectives on Maine, obviously, but they are also resented for many reasons, some of them valid. I did not think that this book added much to the canon about Maine.

[Karen Lurker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful depiction of Maine, with an entertaining balance of history, sailing and folklore. Even with a very limited understanding of the technicalities of sailing, I enjoyed the author's narrative of sailing the coast of Maine.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable musings on life on the Maine coast. Fine writing which beautifully evokes the landscape. It does, however, help if you are passionate about boats.

[Bill Ibelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting to me because of have sailed this territory so much. Not sure how interesting it would be without that connection. For a great Geoffrey Wolfe book, see The Duke of Deception.