Our first introduction to the Hawaiian Islands was in the early 1980's; since then we have been conducting research on the islands of Hawai'i and Kauai. Our long association with Hawai'i prompted us to develop a course: The Natural History of Hawai'i; taught by Jamie Deneris, Ph.D., College of Marin, Kentfield, California, and myself, Neil Marshall, Ph.D. College of Notre Dame, Belmont, California. This is a course that includes island biogeography, evolutionary biology, and the geology of oceanic islands. Our text is John Culliney's book, Islands in a Far Sea. This is a wonderfully, scholarly, but eminently readable book. It captures the essence of the geologic and biologic evolution of the Hawaiian Islands, presents the key points of island biogeography, and finally the impact of human activity. A fine book; this needs to be reprinted in a new edition.

If you want a good Italian recipe, there is no other book than this.

Gay erotica at its finest. Heister spins a tale of adventureand lust, as we embark on an epic voyage of self-discovery with ourheroes Anacreon and Pentheus -- accompanied by a crew of hardy sailors, soldiers and merchants. Every situation, from the most innocuous to the most dangerous, provides an opportunity for steamy man-man sex. Not only is this narrative truly hot, it's also beautifully written -- a blend of arousing prose and intelligent substance. It's one of the few erotic novels I can read again and again, and still get aroused by with each reading.

This book is thoroughly researched, and intelligent. It is simultaneously an account of the history of Hawai'i's integration into the world economy, a reminder of the complexity of social change in colonial contexts, and a rekindling of the beauty of structuralism

I found this book quite by accident while doing research for an upcoming trip to Italy. This was only one of many books I looked at and I didn't expect it to be anything more than a resource. Instead, it turned out to be one of the most beautiful and satisfying books I've ever read.

I really cannot say enough in praise of Barbara G. Harrison's writing. She tells anecdotes, expresses odd thoughts, describes scenarios, but the impact of her words goes far beyond a simple travelogue. Never mind the excellent photography featured in this book; Harrison's writing is reason enough to seek out this book.

Meditative, thought-provoking, occasionally disturbing, and at times quite challenging, The Islands of Italy isn't simply a book about Italy.

It's so much more...

As the author of Tonga-Samoa Handbook, I've used James A. Bier's map of the Samoas many times to check dubious place name spellings or to verify geographical information. The detailed index makes finding places a breeze and the drawing is amazingly clear. I recommend this map highly.

This is a truly fascinating work about Ireland. Told in an enjoyable way it was fun to read. If you are even slightly interested in Ireland, it's past or present then you want this book in you collection.

ANYBODY (and for once I mean it) who is at all interested in the Maine coast line, plans to visit Maine, has dreamed of cruising the Maine Archipelago, is interested in history and ecology of the northeastertn U.S. etc. owes it to themselves to order this book (and indeed the whole series). Lovingly written, beautifully illustrated with impossible-to-find historical photos and maps, this series by the greatest living (and probably greatest ever) expert on the history of Maine islands belongs in your boat, belongs on your desk, belongs by your bed. I try never to go Downeast without a stack o' Mclane (much to the bemusement of my skipper) and have spent mant happy afternoons on islands with my students working out just from where a particular photo was taken a century earlier. Beautifully written, with a nice mix of stories, geneologies, and a real eye for the land, this has been literally the "life's work" of a wonderful couple. All of us who know, study, and love these islands have a deep debt of gratitude to the McLanes.

Do You Know Where the Pribilofs Are?

If you don't, then you should! The Pribilof Islands are two small isles in the Bearing Sea. They are known as the Islands of the Seals because of the large population of seals which congregate there. Many parts of the Island are wildlife sanctuaries for seals. But a modern Western/Aleut community thrives (relatively speaking) in these Islands roughly halway between Alaska and Russia.

For years these islands were used as dumping areas for furtive captains who would abandon oil barrels- mostly empty- and other industrial container garbage when nobody was looking. Fortunately recent years have seen far more stringent monitoring of the environment and the beginnings of very effective clean-up efforts.

But while the Pribilofs have their masses of seals and has a grim history of this ugly pollution, it is entering the 21st century as a cleaner, more cherished area with a robust local community who pride themselves on their special islands and their clean-up efforts. And these islands are very special indeed...

In this unique Alaska Geographic release one can see many pictures and read about the beautiful coastal boroughs and abundant sea life of the Pribilofs. While most people get on a plane and fly off to some impossible to spell foreign region for adventure travel, the Aleutian Islands and the Pribilofs continue to exist mostly off the beaten path, and are some of the most exotic, diverse, and richly rewarding islands imaginable, right here in the USA. It's just a matter of perspective and where you look.

This book is usually available through Amazon, but may take a few weeks to ship. If you like seals or unusual coastal areas, take a look!

And for those of you who surf... here's another zone with some potential. If you look at the excellent maps of the islands you'll find in this book, you will see a great deal of potential for decent conditions on any swell, tide, and wind. If its onshore on one side of the island, a few minutes later you can find yourself in offshore conditions on the other side. Road access and lodging looks to be quite available! There is a picture or two of possible surf zones! But this is rugged territory dominated by the seals! Just look at the cover- did you think that man invented surfing... Ha! (*The cover pictures a number of seals frolicking about in a glassy green left-hander!)

Printed in 1973, Murray's text explains the geologic and then wildlife aspects of the Hebrides. He then moves onto the sea and seafaring followed by the historical politics and fundamental social culture of these islands. He further moves into the difficulties of day to day life caused by natural diminishing resources and constant warring with the Norse and later the English. Throughout he discusses the impact of Christianity in the varying aspects of Hebridean life. A fascinating text.