The Oyster Coast: A Celebration in the Raw — Hardcover

A richly photographed tribute to one of the sea’s most storied delicacies, Oysters: A Celebration in the Raw explores the oyster through the intertwined worlds of coastal culture, culinary tradition, natural history, and American maritime heritage. Written by acclaimed chef Jeremy Sewall and Emmy Award–winning writer and producer Marion Lear Swaybill, with photography by Scott Snider, this handsome hardcover feels especially at home in a collected coastal library, kitchen, or entertaining space.

Beginning with an approachable primer on oyster culture, the book introduces the oystermen and women who sustain the tradition before presenting more than 50 varieties of North American oysters through striking original photography, tasting notes, and explorations of their distinctive “merroir”—the marine counterpart to wine’s terroir.

Beyond the table, the authors delve into the oyster’s fascinating place in history and culture, from its appearance in art and folklore to enduring myths surrounding its reputation as an aphrodisiac. An oyster glossary and resource guide round out this definitive visual celebration.

Equal parts culinary reference, maritime history, and beautiful coffee-table book, it makes a thoughtful addition to a coastal home, seafood lover’s library, or host’s collection—and a natural companion to evenings of oysters, chilled wine, and gathering by the water.

Details

• Authors: Jeremy Sewall & Marion Lear Swaybill
• Photography: Scott Snider
• Hardcover
• 216 pages
• Fully illustrated
• Dimensions: 8.1" W × 8.1" H × 1" D
• Publication date: November 1, 2016

Bay & Bridle styling note: This is an especially strong fit for The Coastal Library and The Harbor House—the kind of book that can function as both something worth reading and a collected object left on a coffee table, bar, or kitchen island.