Galapagos: The Islands That Changed the World [Paperback]

Dr. Paul D. Stewart (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 28, 2007

Rocky, fragile, beautiful, strange—the Galápagos archipelago is unlike any other place on earth. Its geology, its unique flora and fauna, and its striking role in human history intersect in surprising and dynamic ways. This book is the most wide-ranging and beautifully illustrated book available on the famous islands. Not since Darwin’s Naturalist’s Voyage has a book combined so much scientific and historic information with firsthand accounts that bring the Galápagos to life.
Galápagos: The Islands That Changed the World describes how tragedy and murderous pirates curtailed settlement of the islands and how the islands’ pristine nature, spectacular geology, and defining isolation inspired Darwin’s ideas about evolution. The book explores the diverse land and marine habitats that shelter Galápagos species and considers the islands’ importance today as a frontier for science and a refuge for true wilderness.
The book’s extensive gazetteer provides details about endemic plants and animals as well as travel advice about visitors’ sites, diving, photography, when to go, and what to take. Vividly illustrated throughout, this guide is an indispensable reference for natural history enthusiasts, armchair travelers, and island visitors alike.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

This group of volcanic islands lying along the equator in the Pacific Ocean are famous for their rare species of fauna and flora. Stewart and five coauthors first decide the geological journey that sets each island's lifespan from volcanic birth to death and burial. Then they narrate what they label "the human history of the Galapagos" and explain how Charles Darwin revealed the islands as a land of riches and triggered a revolution of scientific thought. In the next three chapters the authors introduce the wild occupants of the islands--giant tortoises, iguanas, cavefish, champion mockingbirds, Galapagos hawks, short-eared owls, lava lizards, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, and ghost crabs, to name a few, along with many rare cacti, flowers, and trees. The authors also discuss the importance and fragility of the islands. Add to this 150 magnificent color photographs, and you have a special treat of a book. George Cohen
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

“I have been to the Galapagos and as I read this book I found myself ‘walking the paths’ again. Stewart offers an enjoyable and complete overview of the islands.”—Noble Proctor, author of A Field Guide to North Atlantic Wildlife

(Noble Proctor )

"The definitive single volume on the Galapagos that ecotourists and readers from all walks of life have been awaiting."—Margaret Lowman, author of Life in the Treetops and co-author of It''s a Jungle Up There: More Tales from the Treetops

(Margaret Lowman )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press; 2 edition (February 28, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300122306
• ISBN-13: 978-0300122305
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #79,128 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #71 in Books > Travel > Latin America > South America
  • #82 in Books > History > Americas > South America

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Perfect Combination of History and Picture Book, March 8, 2007

By 

Herman Beuk "Latin America scholar" (Princeton, N.J. United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Galapagos: The Islands That Changed the World (Paperback)

There are many books on the Galápagos Islands but Paul Stewart's work is certainly one of the most appealing and true representations of this famous spot in the Pacific Ocean. Naturally, Darwin occupies an important part of Mr. Stewart's prose, but equally impressive is the space given to extraordinary photos. This is not surprising given that Paul Stewart is first and foremost a photographer.

Whether this book can finally dispel the doubts of some people about evolution vs creation is anybody's guess but it will not be for lack of authentic facts as described by the author. The book is a real page-turner.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars interesting past, beautiful present, and uncertain future of the galapagos, July 20, 2009

By 

Nobuyuki Yamaguchi - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Galapagos: The Islands That Changed the World (Paperback)

This book is the must for everybody who is serious about the galapagos, its beauty and future. The book is very enjoyable because of its beautiful photographs. Also, the authors' deep knowledge about the past of the archipelago, as well as one of the most famous human visitors, Charles Darwin, will give you a fascinating journey through the time. However, one of the highlights of this book is that the authors clearly address the uncertain future of the Galapagos with special references to our programmed selfishness, which the very Charles Darwin helped us to understand.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, July 11, 2009

By 

Joseph T. Cronley (Salt Lake City, UT United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Galapagos: The Islands That Changed the World (Paperback)

Fascinating book. Well-research and well-written. Don't go to the Galapagos Island without first reading this book. A Must!