Down the Shore

Alewives, herring, lobsters, sea urchins, scallops, shrimp and softshell clams are just some of the treasures hauled in from Maine's coastal waters on a daily basis. In this volume, Portland resident Trueworthy (Maine in Four Seasons) shares images of the fishermen who seek those delicacies at work. It's a fascinating treatment: who knew that, to collect sea urchins, divers back flip off boats with a bag and rake, or that some lobster boats are converted fiberglass runabouts? Although Trueworthy's photographs deftly portray their subject, for the most part, they're more serviceable than artsy. Similarly, Crowley's text is more educational than evocative. Nonetheless, this coffee-table book does transcend its pedagogical undertones, especially in the section where those who make a living in the fisheries of the Maine coast share words of advice, such as""Never take ham sandwiches on a boat.""