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The Beachcomber's Companion: An Illustrated Guide to Collecting and Identifying Beach Treasures
A lovely beach house book or hostess gift, perfect for any beachy coffee table.
Breezy, inviting, and delightful—just like a day at the beach — The Beachcomber's Companion is a charming illustrated guide to collecting and identifying shells and other coastal treasures. Each of the entries includes fascinating descriptions, fun tidbits, and detailed artwork that makes it easy for readers to identify their own beach discoveries. A handy resource section offers tips on how to prepare before setting out on a shoreline from the beachcomber's commandments to must-have items for every beachcombing toolkit and advice on preserving shells. Awash with information and gorgeous watercolor illustrations, this is an essential companion for all who love the ocean's shore.
Breezy, inviting, and delightful—just like a day at the beach — The Beachcomber's Companion is a charming illustrated guide to collecting and identifying shells and other coastal treasures. Each of the entries includes fascinating descriptions, fun tidbits, and detailed artwork that makes it easy for readers to identify their own beach discoveries. A handy resource section offers tips on how to prepare before setting out on a shoreline from the beachcomber's commandments to must-have items for every beachcombing toolkit and advice on preserving shells. Awash with information and gorgeous watercolor illustrations, this is an essential companion for all who love the ocean's shore.
128 pages, Hardcover
Published April 17, 2018
47 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 4, 2025
Nicely illustrated but generally basic introduction to the hobby of beachcombing, focusing mainly on the author's experience along the east coasts of the U.S. and Central America, and around the Caribbean, (i.e., the Western Atlantic). First third of the book focuses on bivalves (clam-type shells), second on gastropods (snail-type shells), and the rest on other things that wash or otherwise end up ashore — sand dollars, horseshoe crabs, sea glass, etc. Nothing really new for me here other than yet more obscure conchological vocabulary: adjectives like reticulate, orbicular/globose, nodulose, pentamorous, sessile; and nouns like wrack line, conchylomania, chela phenotypes.
PERSONAL STUFF: As a long-ago former diver in Taiwan, for me and most of my then-buddies "the beach" was just something you crossed to get to the ocean and out among the corals and fishies — and the rockier the better, since a sandy bottom does not make for interesting diving. However, as the northeast coast was just a short hour from the city, we often went out on days when the weather was iffy at best; and if it turned out that we WEREN'T gonna get in the water on a given day, THEN we would beachcomb for a while, mainly looking for something NOT covered in this book — glass fishing floats, which are apparently a strictly Pacific Ocean thing, as they were largely used by Japanese (and to a lesser extent, Taiwanese) fishing fleets up through the 1960s, but which continued bobbing around for decades afterwards, (as you can see in the picture below, one of mine was apparently even underwater long enough for coral to grow on it, although I have no idea how that works), and even making it as far as the U.S. West Coast:
I have yet to beachcomb the Atlantic from my new home in Virginia, although I understand there are several places around the Chesapeake Bay that are full of fossilized shells and shark teeth. I have gone out a coupla times to see the horseshoe crabs come ashore by the thousands to breed (2-3 full moons per year), and it is the absolutely most prehistoric thing you can still see in today's modern world.
PERSONAL STUFF: As a long-ago former diver in Taiwan, for me and most of my then-buddies "the beach" was just something you crossed to get to the ocean and out among the corals and fishies — and the rockier the better, since a sandy bottom does not make for interesting diving. However, as the northeast coast was just a short hour from the city, we often went out on days when the weather was iffy at best; and if it turned out that we WEREN'T gonna get in the water on a given day, THEN we would beachcomb for a while, mainly looking for something NOT covered in this book — glass fishing floats, which are apparently a strictly Pacific Ocean thing, as they were largely used by Japanese (and to a lesser extent, Taiwanese) fishing fleets up through the 1960s, but which continued bobbing around for decades afterwards, (as you can see in the picture below, one of mine was apparently even underwater long enough for coral to grow on it, although I have no idea how that works), and even making it as far as the U.S. West Coast:
I have yet to beachcomb the Atlantic from my new home in Virginia, although I understand there are several places around the Chesapeake Bay that are full of fossilized shells and shark teeth. I have gone out a coupla times to see the horseshoe crabs come ashore by the thousands to breed (2-3 full moons per year), and it is the absolutely most prehistoric thing you can still see in today's modern world.
July 9, 2020
One of my most favourite things to do “ever” is to walk by the sea. A number of years ago I moved to Portugal and now I have the opportunity to go and splash and watch nature at its best, I walk the waves most weeks, if not daily depending on the season. One of the things I love to do during my walks is “beachcombing” and it’s something I enjoy doing whilst travelling especially with friends. Finding your first Sea Heart and Sea Bean with best friends in Mexico is the equivalent to striking gold.
It’s a simple pleasure getting lost to the sounds of the waves and wind, and is one of life’s luxuries and I know I am truly spoilt.
Since moving to the seaside and becoming a self confessed conchylomaniac I have taken a great interest in learning about shells and where they come from and how we have such a variety of species on our wonderful planet. As you know I love to read so I now scour bookshops and online sources for new reading treasures about this subject and I stumbled across this book.
What an absolute gem. If are interested in learning about the basics of our oceans treasures then this could be the book you start with.
Beautiful illustrations, a clean layout and with over 120 pages it’s your beach travelling companion just as it says on the tin!
The book explains the differences between Bivalves and Gastropods and a whole host of other goodies you may find. It’s easy and informative and is now one of my favourite - favourites.( you have to have these categories when you own as many books as me)
Five stars or should I say 5 shells and I hope one day I find a Junonia shell - they say they are shellulous ... sorry...
Love the book Anna Burgard and the illustrations Jillian Ditner
It’s a simple pleasure getting lost to the sounds of the waves and wind, and is one of life’s luxuries and I know I am truly spoilt.
Since moving to the seaside and becoming a self confessed conchylomaniac I have taken a great interest in learning about shells and where they come from and how we have such a variety of species on our wonderful planet. As you know I love to read so I now scour bookshops and online sources for new reading treasures about this subject and I stumbled across this book.
What an absolute gem. If are interested in learning about the basics of our oceans treasures then this could be the book you start with.
Beautiful illustrations, a clean layout and with over 120 pages it’s your beach travelling companion just as it says on the tin!
The book explains the differences between Bivalves and Gastropods and a whole host of other goodies you may find. It’s easy and informative and is now one of my favourite - favourites.( you have to have these categories when you own as many books as me)
Five stars or should I say 5 shells and I hope one day I find a Junonia shell - they say they are shellulous ... sorry...
Love the book Anna Burgard and the illustrations Jillian Ditner
February 9, 2019
What a great guide to beach combing! Identifications are grouped into categories such as Bivalves, Gastropods, Echinoderms, and Crustaceans and are accompanied by lovely illustrations. Details about the creature's anatomy and ecosystems are combined with fun historical facts. Interspersed throughout are beautiful quotes from well known poets. This book is definitely a useful tool for the casual collector.
September 30, 2023
I've always loved the beach, from the first time my family took me to Florida, it was my favorite place on earth. And so, reading this book was like learning fun facts about old friends. I knew many of the shells already, but it was really cool to hear more about the creatures that once inhabited them. While many of my favorites were not included, many still were, and it was a real treat to spend a little time in their company.
The illustrations are absolutely lovely and the writing was informative, clear, and concise. This was a great, very chill introduction to shells for someone who wants to learn from the ground (or the sand) up, and a nice refresher that still had some secrets to impart to the seasoned beachgoer like myself.
The illustrations are absolutely lovely and the writing was informative, clear, and concise. This was a great, very chill introduction to shells for someone who wants to learn from the ground (or the sand) up, and a nice refresher that still had some secrets to impart to the seasoned beachgoer like myself.
June 18, 2020
Not just a coffee table book but a lovely book detailing all the treasures from the sea. I loved finally putting a name to some shells I've seen this and or collected over the years and enjoyed learning about others especially the sea bean! Growing up my Mom had one. As a child she told me she got it in Florida on her honeymoon. For years, I thought it was a bit so I'm so delighted to know what it is. I'm sure she told me and I forgot. My Mom passed in 2008 and I'm happy to say after 50 years of marriage she kept her little sea bean. I looked at it today and thought of her with a smile.
I love the illustrations in this book. We written and informative. Perfect companion book for summer as we head to the beach to seek out she'll treasures! Recommended!!!
I love the illustrations in this book. We written and informative. Perfect companion book for summer as we head to the beach to seek out she'll treasures! Recommended!!!
March 2, 2020
If you love the beach, the shore, the shore birds, the dunes, the ocean, the waves, and of course the shells, this is the reference book for you. The illustrations by Jillian Ditner will make you treasure this book even more. This reference book includes definitions and examples of bivalves, gastropods, echinodems, crustaceans, as well as lost items. Anna Burgard lists ten commandments of a shell collector as well as items for a took kit. Every so many pages, she places a quotation from someone famous who enjoys the beach. I like this book very much. It is a pleasure to read. I will use this book.
August 17, 2020
Great Book for a first first-just wish there was more
Only reason it lands 4 stars is because there was only so much about shells. Wish there was more to read and learn about in this book. Other than that, it is an excellent read and I recommend it to any first time beach comber.
Only reason it lands 4 stars is because there was only so much about shells. Wish there was more to read and learn about in this book. Other than that, it is an excellent read and I recommend it to any first time beach comber.
January 5, 2019
This is a cool book about collecting shells and other things on the beach. The author shares how to clean the items as well.
June 3, 2019
Topnotch illustrations, entertaining and thoughtfully presented text.
October 31, 2019
A beautiful book to be savored. I borrowed it online and enjoyed page by page slowly over the course of a couple of months.
July 17, 2024
The Beachcomber’s Companion:An Illustrated Guide to Collecting and Identifying Beach Treasures. To be honest I am torn with this one. The book is amazing. The illustrations are gorgeous. However, I can’t help but wonder if we are hurting the sea creatures that need homes. Can any of the shells be reused? Obviously I don’t mean the broken ones. I mean the whole ones.
July 15, 2024
This is an excellent book to take to the beach. It describes and illustrates many of the shells and other things you may find on the beach. There are no scientific names here, just a good "Companion" for a walk on the beach.
August 3, 2021
It was for a reading challenge.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2022
Beautiful book on beach finds. Had great concise information and lovely illustrations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2023
I’ve checked this book out from the library three times now. Will probably purchase.
May 26, 2025
No thank you to the bleach. Otherwise, lovely.
November 5, 2018
The book informed me of the many of the wonders from the beach!!!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews