The Wild Shores America’s Beginnings

National Geographic writer Tee Loftin Snell journeyed to Europe and along North America’s coasts to tell the story of the continent’s first settlements. Here, she stands at the Santa Barbara mission in California while retracing the steps of the Spanish colonists. Photographer Walter Meayers Edwards visited numerous coastal areas and traveled to Canada and Alaska seeking subjects evocative of America’s beginnings. Edwards retired from the National Geographic in 1973 after a 40-year career with the Society. New York artist Louis S. Glanzman discusses the historical accuracy of paintings for this book with researcher Marjorie W. Cline of the Society’s staff.