The seaside piers of England and Wales were built in an age when the population started to flock to the coast for entertainment and holidays. These iconic structures stretching into the sea first became popular in the Victorian era, and as the crowds flocked to them, they offered a world of fun and pleasure as well as the opportunity to promenade out into the sea and wind, above the waves. Alongside the ubiquitous café, the entertainment varied from bandstands and swimming pools to casinos and music halls. Although sadly only about half of the original piers remain today, they still offer an escape from everyday life, whether amusement arcades or theatres, train rides or fairgrounds, from Llandudno to Cromer, Saltburn to Ryde.

In Piers of England and Wales, photographer Steve Edmunds presents an alternative view of these fascinating structures. Featuring every surviving pier around the coast, this book will appeal to all those who love the coast and this unique part of British culture.