A wonderful history book of the island and its surrounding environs
352063
A well researched and documented history of Plum Island. Growing up on Long Island in the 50's and 60's I heard dozens of stories of what strange things might be going on out there. Later on when I would travel by ferry from New London To Orient point I would always bring my binoculars to see if I could detect any strange goings on as the boat passed by. This book tells it all from the earliest days back in the 1600 hundreds up to present times. A wonderful history book of the island and its surrounding environs.
4058795
In this illustrated account of a little-known place and the effect upon it of various owners and eras, author John Cuevas has through his careful research and underlying themes produced a title that transcends the strictly regional-family genre to which it might at first glance appear to belong.

In an age when many U.S. families have little sense of their history and when the country itself appears to be headed toward regional homogenization, CAT ISLAND is interesting on several levels. Most obviously, Cuevas explores in well-documented detail how a particular family legend about the ownership of Cat Island developed and how well it held up when subjected to a stringent reality check. Of perhaps equal interest to the general reader is the glimpse of how eighteenth- and nineteenth-century settlers supported themselves in a part of the world now seen primarily as a tourist destination. Those with a legal bent will enjoy Cuevas's tracing of the island's complicated (and sometimes unsuspected) chain of ownership.

The author's style is straighforward and readable . . .if you like history and what family legend turns it into, you'll almost certainly enjoy this book. [This is an extract from a longer review on Library Thing.]
31335
This is a great book, so much invaluable information about the island of Santa Cruz Off the coast of California, it's rich history and of course the flora. A must have for anyone interested in finding out more about this subject.
1783058
What can one say about this book other than it is a Classic and provides a great deal on information of England.  A must for the Historian and a good read for this interested in the rich and diverse history of that wonderful isle.
3959265
A truely wonderful look at the historic architecture and decorative arts of the island residences is presented with glorious color photos and informative text in CARIBBEAN HOUSES by Michael Connors.  I have a few of his other books, and knew what to expect from this former antiques dealer turned author.  It does not disappoint.
1071382
Catherine Dunar escorts her readers as friends on a personal tour of Romes Tiber Island, complete with an extensive history and suggestions for cappuccino, a special dinner, entertainment, and more.  She even includes advice on securing local transportation and navigating the comparatively small island's terrain.

Most travelers have neither the time to discover, nor the required knowledge to explore, more than the cultural highlights and/or top-rated sites of a special city or region.  Catherine Dunar takes care of this for us.  She encourages us to explore fully, a single smaller area in a day, or even an afternoon, if we choose.  As we absorb both the historical and contemporary atmosphere of Romes Tiber Island, she expands our knowledge of the myths, history, art, and architecture in thorough detail.  Yes, according to her guidebook, legend tells us the bodies of two martyrs were discovered in the well in the Church of San Bartolomeo in the 4th century A.D., but this is just one memorable tidbit midst the extensive history she provides of this small, culturally-rich island.

Catherine Dunar teaches us to examine a single area more closely, to understand, appreciate, and enjoy its significance, as well as to take our time while doing it.
1513605
Our vacation this year was in Nantucket which is a terrific destination.  There is so much history, beauty and fun.  This book gave us such interesting personal experiences for those people who live on the island.  Added to our fun!
3540788
"A Nantucket Experience" is written with Shellie Dunlap's discerning eye and storytelling ability, and it has evocative photographs to amplify the text. We've been reading Shellie's weekly Nantucket blog for years, and her stories help us to understand and appreciate the Island that we've been visiting for thirty years. This book is a marvelous compilation of Shellie's stories, arranged by the seasons to introduce one to many facets of Nantucket. The subtitle "A year in the life of a Wash Ashore" reflects Shellie's humility, and that's part of her wonder at, curiosity for and appreciation of nature and history and community and family. "A Nantucket Experience" is a fine addition to our Nantucket beach cottage's library.
4148183
This is a very informative book regarding Jamaicas history and geography.
4812826
A rare and wonderful insight into an island community, caught in the struggle between modernity and "the old ways". Naturally, there is an exodus of young people seeking experiences, and hoping to escape the claustrophobia of an insular way of life.  Written with the perception and  talent of a poetic author,  it is kindly, incisive, humorous, gentle and a totally beautiful read.  Don't miss it.  (I read it first about 15 years ago, and was fortunte enough to find a copy - through Amazon - recently).  It's a jewel  .
1236586
I bought this for my wife, who is enamored with Lahaina.  The book does a great job of detailing the history of this quaint whaling port and once capital of the Hawaiian Islands.
619785
Excellent book, but I'm slightly biased since Montrew is a friend of mine. Terrific lady.  The history of the area is rich and fascinating, and there are many many photos; its such an easy, educational and enjoyable read I recommend it to anyone.
1085853
This novel is about the remote, beautiful Channel Islands off the California Pacific coast, namely Ventura and Santa Barbara. It blends opposing views of scientists and environmentalist in the preservation of the islands. The characters are gritty and harsh at times. The prose is magnificent. A blend of family tragedies and the struggle to tame and then un-tame the islands and ultimately bring it back to their unique fauna and flora. But sometimes things change anyway, especially if humans are involved.
A great book to read for its history and many facts of the Islands of Anacapa and Santa Cruz sprinkled through the pages.
4488827
Although I have been to the Big Island many times as a tourist, pleasantly brushing up against Kilauea and Mauna Loa, I always felt a need to come back to stay for awhile, to be present.  Pamela Frierson's Preface to the Burning Island describes my feeing perfectly: "I had lived all that time in a place I had never really seen, or seen only dimly, with a vision clouded and distorted."

In this one volume the author gathers together a great deal of background information about the volcanoes; their origin, formation and eventual wearing down and returning to the sea; the dynamics of an active volcano with its cinder cones, calderas and mighty rift zones; the historical and scientific exploration by the west starting with the arrival of whaling ships; the flora and fauna of the surrounding country side and the losses to invasive exotics and abuse by humans.

And I think most importantly the inclusion of Hawaiian archaeology and mythology gives the story depth.  Pele, goddess of the volcano and the myths surrounding her give the reader a sense of the Hawaiian's way of explaining and finding a place in the unknown and unknowable.

It is difficult for me to understand and empathize with a native culture but this book takes me a good way along in that journey. To me it is a guide book.
4620987
This was an incredible read! I am a third generation product of a number of people born and raised on Bailey Island. I only lived there for a short time as a little girl, but as an adult, worked on Bailey Island for over 20 years. I had heard many of the stories and history of "the islands", but only through reading this did I bring all these stories full circle. I didn't want to race through the book as there is a lot of historical facts and dates dealing with the many good people of Bailey and Orr's Island. I chose to read it a couple of chapters at a time and then digest what I had read...it was very comforting, old fashioned, and very true of the day and age. For Janet to capture all of this shows that there was a lot of time and heart spent conveying her story and stories of her ancestors. It brings you right back to that time - I didn't want it to end. I would recommend this to anyone with historical interest or anyone that would enjoy a good read of a small island on the coast of Maine.
3369882
This fact-filled guide is an excellent choice as a stand-alone reference book or a companion to other guide books on the Virgin Islands.  In addition to providing all the need-to-know facts about hotels, dining out, transportation, shopping, etc., this book offers fascinating historical and geographical insights that other guide books lack.
It's a soft cover, quality bound book that's easy to pack and will hold up well through dozens of vacations to the Caribbean.  It's easy reading, and has an easy-to-find "Fact File" for quick reference while you're on the go.
I love this little book!
1712280
This lovely book is called "A History of Fishing in the Florida Keys";  but since fishing is so much a part of these storied islands, Mr Epstein's terrific book is a great introduction and guide for anyone who's interested in visiting (and many people visit will also want to stay a lot longer).  Epstein's vast knowledge of the history and lore of the Keys is complemented by his personal experiences as a guide, a fisherman, and longtime residence.