Rhode Island: The Ocean State (A Photographic Documentary)

NORTHEAST. 
Photo Documentary Tour Guide Book. 

At the Regionals, we admit to being suckers for picture books. When we came upon this beautiful set of shots documenting America’s smallest state, we were a bit concerned about some sun-damage on its spine. But then we opened it up and could not put it down … The story of Roger Williams tiring of the uptight puritanical grip indicative of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1636, splitting off and heading south to set up something not quite so uptight, and then going on to introduce into the American consciousness the concept of individual religious freedom—to pray as you may—is well documented, if good to be reminded of on occasion. But that such a tiny state, only 48 miles tall, can host 78 miles of ocean coastline, and 170 of inland coastline reminds us of the legitimacy of calling Rhode Island, the “Ocean State.” There are states and territories with a lot more coastline; but none with so much coastline forming its borders. And though there is plenty of beautiful landscape to see in the state, its soul is tethered to its relationship with the Atlantic Ocean … Following a brief intro that mostly skips over the Pequot, Nipmuc, Niantic, Narragansett, and Wampanoag tribes that inhabited this space when Europeans began to move in, but to its credit does not shy away from the state’s dark history supporting both the financial and maritime demands of the African slave trade, we are led to the reason for this book; which in all fairness was not designed to reconcile its past, but to present a simple 1980s photographic essay celebrating an under-appreciated state. The fishing industry and sailing are, of course, well represented. Quaint downtowns give off a “sea vibe” in their weathered shingle fronts and cobbled streets. There are the impressive mansions and castles funded by the mentioned ill-gotten trades; but more so the idyllic coastal shots, summer beach goers along its south Atlantic shores, wide shots lined of ship-masts at dock, and sailing competitions. A brief, but vivid story of this original American colony and the seaside traits that continue to define its soul. [Condition: As mentioned, the spine carries some unfortunate discoloration, “tanned” from improper storage in direct sunlight on a book shelf being our guess. But aside from slightly bent corners on the cover itself, the 100+ photographs within this thin volume are still brilliant and pristine.] 

Condition: Used Very Good. 
Travel / Touring. 
Colour Library Books, Ltd., 1988. 
Oversized Hardcover, 64 pgs, 7.75 x 10.75" / 12 oz