The Turks & Caicos Islands: Beautiful by Nature (Hardcover)

~ Julia Davies (Author), Phil Davies (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Stunning photography and beautiful illustrations truly capturing the magic of the Turks & Caicos Islands in this new book.

Over the last decade the Turks and Caicos Islands, situated just south of the Bahamas, have won international acclaim as a premier scuba diving destination and luxury retreat. While the unrivaled marine life and wondrous beaches serve as the main magnet, these islands have much more to offer the discerning tourist.

The Turks and Caicos Islands takes the reader on a colorful journey throughout this small archipelago, exploring its natural delights and amazing history, from Taino Indian occupation to future island developments. The brilliant turquoise of the waters that are home to the famous coral reefs and the many species of marine life have been captured on film using sophisticated underwater camera techniques. And, the flora and fauna of the islands are not only described in detail but are also accompanied by fine illustrations. This book truly is a tribute to a beautiful unspoiled part of the world.

About the Author

Phil Davies trained as a tropical marine biologist, and his career has taken him around the globe with two years spent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Julia Davies was initially torn between pursuing a career in the natural sciences or art. She has been able to combine both these loves through illustrating and co-authoring this book. Having also trained as a marine biologist, she has been involved with various conservation projects and marine education.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 182 pages
• Publisher: Interlink Publishing Group (July 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0333775473
• ISBN-13: 978-0333775479
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #856,382 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The First Major Publication to focus exclusively on the TCI, May 1, 2001

By	Kathy Borsuk, Editor, Times of the Islands Ma... (Providenciales, TCI) - See all my reviews

If you live in the Islands, you've probably already seen a copy of Phil and Julia's beautiful book, and l hope you've already bought a copy or two. For those who have not seen it yet, I urge you to search it out. Except for Bertie Sadler's historical survey of our country, Turks Island Landfall, this book is the first major publishing effort that focuses on the Turks & Caicos Islands exclusively.

Primarily a photo-essay, Beautiful by Nature is held together by the impressively astute and coherent narrative that outlines the entire history of the Turks & Caicos Islands.

Chapter One starts in the far geologic past. We are introduced to the millennia-long formation of the shallows, reefs, and sand flats that preceded the final emergence of our Island platforms. Chapter Two is a brief and readable short course in Island biogeography. We learn how the first signs of life came to these brand new Islands in the form of windblown seeds, migrant birds from north and south, and wave- washed, castaway snails, lizards, and snakes.

Finally, Chapter Three brings us to our Islands' human populations. In concise historical sketches, the authors outline the successive migrations that have populated these Islands and how these populations have impacted the land: Taino Indians from the south, Bermudian saltrakers from the north, and British Loyalists from North America. Chapter Four covers the Turks & Caicos Islands as we know them today. There is a section on the Salt Islands of Grand Turk, Salt Cay and South Caicos with their colonial charm and laid-back feel. The modern development of Providenciales is highlighted in another. And the final chapter is an outline of the country's plans for the future and a plea that the ever- quickening pace of modern development doesn't catch the Islands off-guard.

Buy this book. Buy it for the stunning photographs and Julia's charming illustrations. It's well worth it. But please, read it, too. The Davies' love for the Turks & Caicos Islands is obvious. And their ability to share it with us in beautiful pictures and well-chosen words is a gift.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Comprehensive and Beautiful Publication!, May 1, 2001

By	Kathy Borsuk, Editor, Times of the Islands Ma... (Providenciales, TCI) - See all my reviews

Do you ever experience that feeling of "goosebumps" running up and down your body when something - an emotion, a work of art, a courageous act - deeply moves you? That is how I felt when Julia & Phil Davies showed me a preview copy of their new book, Turks and Caicos Islands - Beautiful by Nature. I had previously been given the opportunity to read the copy, which itself is an awesome compilation of facts and information about the natural history and heritage of these Islands. However, the combination of the well-researched text, Phil's spectacular photography and Julia's meticulous drawings of selected species tremendously impressed me. Finally, in one comprehensive and beautiful publication, TCI-philes will be able to learn all about the country's magical wonders and how they came to be.

The 176 page, over-sized hardcover book includes 182 color photographs from all around the Islands and 60 hand-drawn illustrations. The lively chapters lead readers from the land and reef's formation through detailed descriptions of marine, bird, animal and plant life to Islanders' sea-based heritage and how recent change and development has affected Turks & Caicos culture. Besides serving as a one-of-a-kind resource for visitors and residents, the book seems destined to be used as an educational text in local schools.

Julia and Phil spent two years in the Turks & Caicos researching the book and shooting the photos and another two years writing the text, completing the drawings and designing the layout. Their creation is truly a life's masterpiece and stunning tribute to the Islands.