Synopsis
WE CAME FROM THE SEA
From tidal estuaries to tropical reefs, saltwater has been central to evolution; the amniotic fluid of life itself. Vestiges of our salty origins can be found in the physiological makeup of land dwellers today, and marine chemistry still defines the boundaries of existence for most aquatic animals. But even as we rely upon the sea's life-giving properties, we have failed to protect it.
Saltwater brings readers face to face with the secrets of the marine realm, revealing massive sperm whales, delicate dumbo octopuses, nightmarish viperfish, and even the ocean's own version of the northern lights: a shimmering bioluminescent display that illuminates the darkest fathoms.
It examines humanity's eternal connection with the oceans, from ancient fishing traditions to the devastating legacy of industrial whaling. And it shows how today, even as the ocean bears the scars of overfishing, pollution, and climate change, this damage may yet be reversed though cutting-edge science and strategic conservation.
Elegant, deeply researched, and ultimately galvanising, Saltwater is a paradigm-shifting look at how saltwater life shapes our world.
From tidal estuaries to tropical reefs, saltwater has been central to evolution; the amniotic fluid of life itself. Vestiges of our salty origins can be found in the physiological makeup of land dwellers today, and marine chemistry still defines the boundaries of existence for most aquatic animals. But even as we rely upon the sea's life-giving properties, we have failed to protect it.
Saltwater brings readers face to face with the secrets of the marine realm, revealing massive sperm whales, delicate dumbo octopuses, nightmarish viperfish, and even the ocean's own version of the northern lights: a shimmering bioluminescent display that illuminates the darkest fathoms.
It examines humanity's eternal connection with the oceans, from ancient fishing traditions to the devastating legacy of industrial whaling. And it shows how today, even as the ocean bears the scars of overfishing, pollution, and climate change, this damage may yet be reversed though cutting-edge science and strategic conservation.
Elegant, deeply researched, and ultimately galvanising, Saltwater is a paradigm-shifting look at how saltwater life shapes our world.
Details
12 November 2026
9781786582973Imprint: Ithaka
Reviews
By turns immense and intimate, panoramic and poetic, Saltwater is a song of praise for the strangeness, beauty and wonder of the ocean, a panoramic account of its centrality to life on our planet and a clarion call for its preservation. It is essential reading.
'A glorious exploration of everything marine, Ward instils into the reader a profound feeling of awe for the weird and wonderful creatures found in our oceans'
