Blink, the commercial non-fiction imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has acquired Coastline by the host of BBC Two’s Villages by the Sea, Dr. Ben Robinson.
Commissioning Editor Ellie Carr acquired UK & Commonwealth Rights, from Elly James at HHB Literary Agency.
In Coastline, archaeologist and television presenter, Ben Robinson takes the reader on a journey through Britain’s coastal heritage and stories of our past, rediscovering the momentous ways our coastline has impacted our history and continues to influence our nation today.
Ben Robinson said: ‘Like most kids, I found the seaside an incredibly exciting place to be, and somewhere that even at a young age generated many happy memories and yearning to return. I stilllove it! We may all worry more about the future as we grow, and lament that things are not quite as they used to be. However, exploring the rich heritage of Britain’s magical, industrious, joyful, exploited, celebrated coastline shows us that adaptation, resilience, creativity will enable us to not only keep much of what is really special, but undo much of what was harmful, and above all enjoy our wonderful, endlessly fascinating coast for many generations to come’
Ellie Carr said: ‘Ben Robinson is such an incredible fount of knowledge when it comes to the history and archaeology of coastal Britain, so I am absolutely delighted to be publishing his next book. Filled with captivating stories of industry, tradition and legend, in Coastline Ben does what he does best, exploring how the history and identity of our isles have been shaped by the places not at its centre, but at its edge. I look forward to readers having the opportunity to join Ben in his journey round our coast and learn more about the history that has shaped us.’
Elly James added: ‘Our borderlands are our interface with the world, they reveal much about our nation’s identity and the lives we lead. Ben’s infectious passion for our island’s history and his ability to make it relevant and engaging make him the perfect guide to help us understand why we must understand and cherish them’
Coastline by Ben Robinson will be published in hardback, audio and eBook on 14th May 2026.
