"Bonnie Tsui looks at our love affair with the water, from evolution to mythology, from survival and well-being, from community swim clubs to competitive races, and she goes around the world to explore its significance in many cultures"-- Provided by publisher.

Survival. Stone Age swimming -- You're a land animal -- Lessons from a sea nomad -- The human seal -- Well-being. The water cure -- Seawater in our veins -- Open water, meet awe -- Community. Who gets to swim? -- A mini United Nations -- Chaos and order -- Competition. The splash and dash -- How to swim like an assassin -- Sharks and minnows -- Ways of the samurai -- Flow. A religious exercise -- The Liquid State -- From one swimmer to another.