This book is an excellent and much-needed textbook of Island Biogeography. The approach taken by Dr. Whittaker blends detail and overview, and the book is well-organised, informative and interesting. He says at the beginning of the book that he hopes to "provide access for students of differing backgrounds and disciplines to the full array of island biogeographical themes and issues." I think this book does just that.

The book starts by stressing the importance of islands as arenas for the study of the natural world: 'natural laboratories' in which the complexity of nature may be simplified, enabling the development and testing of theories of general importance. Dr. Whittaker then moves from the general and long-term (beginning with the physical and biological properties of islands themselves) to the more specific and shorter-term (including island evolution, species richness and endemism, and island theories). He finishes by applying the theories and insights gained from work on islands to present-day conservation issues.

There is sufficient detail to give the reader a fair understanding of the issues addressed, but never so much that the text gets dull or bogged. Throughout, the book is well-referenced, with appropriate and informative references, and provides plenty of encouragement for the reader to delve further into the literature. Considerable clarity is achieved, even when discussing complicated and contentious issues, and on many occasions Dr. Whittaker demonstrates his considerable ability to be insightful and pertinent. He maintains a fair and balanced outlook, even when he addresses opinions and authors that oppose his own work. There is also an air of pragmatism to his arguments that others would do well to emulate. This is borne out, for instance, in his treatment of the SLOSS (single large or several small nature reserves) debate, and in the way he manages to reconcile a number of dichotomies in the literature by noting that various apparently-conflicting theories actually represent different points along continua. As might be expected from the background of the author, Chapters 7 and 8, which deal with island ecological theory, are particularly impressive: erudite and authoritative, while still being interesting and highly readable. These chapters deal with areas in which Dr. Whittaker is well known for his professional contribution (in which he has published papers of considerable international repute).

Overall, I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone with any interest in island biogeography. Written primarily as a textbook for undergraduate students, it will provide very sound reading for students encountering the subject for the first time. It will be all the more useful for the fact that (to my knowledge), there is no other textbook written within the last 20 years that covers an equivalent subject area. But it will also interest experts in the field, who may well learn something from it, as well as finding it a useful reference for related literature. It will be a good addition to any science-related library, as well as to the personal collections of students of relevant subjects.

Through the eyes of Matthias we watch the times change from a bucolic country life by the sea to a vacation haven for the rich and wealthy mainlanders. But throughout Matthias and his family strive to keep the island beautiful and respect the old ways passing them on from one generation to the next. The pastoral illustrations convey the warmth of this possibly best of Barbara Cooney's tales. Boys will especially like it, although my daughters loved it, too.

This true life fascinating story, about a great man, is an inspiration to others, especially the young. It shows what one can accomplish with tremendous determination, perseverance, a creative mind, timing and an adventurous spirit.

Having known and worked with the author for many years, I can say first hand that this story would be enjoyable for the young, the old, the adventurous and politically minded. It is both educating and quite entertaining.

Read it!

I have never been a fan of the romance genre. When I was in the hospital after having our second child, my husband picked this book up in the hospital gift shop. Having nothing else to do while recovering (9lb 4oz boy), I started this book and literally could not put it down. I don't consider it to be a typical romance novel (bodice-rippers, I call them); it's one of Harlequin's "Kids & Kisses" series of books. When kids are involved, the story takes on a whole new dimension.

it's very nice and very interesting it has lots of features
and it explains a culture it's heartwarming.and very suspensful.

the recipes in island cooking cookbook are great and easy to follow. it has allow me to keep in touch with my caribbean roots by trying out and tasting the delicious recipes. Bigup to Dunstan Harris for a job well done. I recently purchased the Island BBQ cookbook and look forward to trying the recipies. I would recommend this book to my family and friends.

I found this book to be a refreshing change from the stereotypes I have found in most novels set in Cuba. Erica Fuentes has captured the heart and soul of my homeland through her honest descriptions of life and love through her principal characters, a Mexican diplomat and a soon-to-be Cuban exile, who meet on a flight from Paris to Havana.

Their story develops in idyllic settings from Havana to the legendary Treasure Island, as the heroine joins him in a sentimental farewell journey back to his family's colorful past before embarking on an unsure future in the United States.

Laced with enough humorous anecdotes and heart-wrenching human drama to make this a novel that I couldn't put down until finishing it, Island Dreams is a must for any good romance novel collection.

I read Island Dreams/Sueños Isleños in both the English and Spanish versions, and they were both excellent. I was never sure which one was the translation!

ISLAND ECSTASY by Karen Harper was the quintessential historical romance. A Zebra offering with a funny name, it could have stood alone as a "great novel" without the romance-novel fru-fru. In my memory, it DOES. It's an early 80's book. They don't write them like this anymore. Actually, even in the 80's there weren't enough.

If you, as many do, feel this way about cookie cutter romance, try ISLAND ECSTASY. Bet you won't be disappointed.

--Carly Corday

In the novel you will have mixed feelings. Either your sad, mad, or happy or just plain hilarious you will most likely love this book. A Miraculous Novel, definently a must read and owe!

Well written. I liked both the hero and the heroine. Interesting plot, all the good stuff. Nice cover. =)