Book excerpt: This pocket guides describes and illustrates all the common species of plants and animals found on the sea shore - from the highest spring tide to five metres below sea level. It covers the sea shore of the Atlantic, Mediterranean, North Sea, Irish Sea and English Channel coasts of Britain and Europe - from the North Cape to the Dardanelles. A simple introductory key allows quick identification of what type of animal - coelenterate or mollusc - the user wants to identify. Every group also has a two-page introduction on basic biology and general identification characteristics.