Customer Reviews

Galapagos (Smithsonian Natural History Series)

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I was headed to the Galapagos Islands and bought this book on a whim - mostly because it had the Smithsonian series name and I wanted to learn more about the islands (Biology class was a long time ago). It was not only full of interesting information about the wildlife of the islands, but it was entertaining as well (not dry). I suppose it depends on your sense of humor, but here's an excerpt: "Around the Galapagos, some waved albatrosses have been observed attacking boobies and forcing them to dislodge the fish they have captured, which the albatrosses then claim as their own. Biologists call this behavior kleptoparasitism. Most other people call it robbery." There is also a section on turtle sex - the author jokes that he knows you were curious.
One neat thing about the book is its organization. Each chapter describes a particular group of animals (the birds, reptiles, etc.) so that you can turn to the section that interests you. The info is useful and interesting, and not overwhelming. There is a section at the end describing what you will find on each island which is extremely useful. There is a nice blending in of history - for example what exactly Darwin did and did not discover and his relationship with the animals on the island (the famous finches weren't even mentioned in Darwin's first writings on the origin of species).
This book gives you a wonderful overview of the islands - and in fact covers much of the same info that the guides give you. I liked this because I could be off taking pictures and enjoying the scenery...I already knew the stories the guides were telling.
This is a great read if you are planning a trip (or even if the Galapagos just interest you). Note: if you go to the islands, really check out the boat you are taking (some randomly change their schedules and only certain animals are on certain islands). Also, even if you don't normally get seasick - remember you will be on a small boat on the open ocean. There's a cool patch you can get (prescription only) - check with your doc. I'd also recommend at least an eight day cruise so you can get to more islands (it takes several hours to go from one island to the next). Other books you might check out: Wildlife of the Galapagos (Fitter, Hosking), Birds, Mammals & Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands (Swash, Still), and for those with no room in their luggage - the laminated pocket sheet of Galapagos Wildlife (Waterford Press).
An excellent book!

I ordered this book (retail $34.95) for $3.00 plus postage, got it in less than a week, in excellent condition as promised.