Galapagos: A Natural History (Paperback)

by Michael H. Jackson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Twenty thousand copies of the first edition of this book were sold. An attractive and comprehensive guidebook, this work has been completely revised and updated by the author. The reader will find an easy-to-use text which details the natural history of the plants and animals found in the Galapagos Islands. Management and conservation of the Galapagos National Park is discussed, and visitor information and notes about the various tourist sites are given. An index and checklist of plants and animals with page references and a glossary of technical terms are provided. New photographs have been added.

About the Author
Michael H Jackson

Product Details

• Paperback: 335 pages
• Publisher: University of Calgary Press; 2nd edition (May 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1895176409
• ISBN-13: 978-1895176407
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #53,820 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

118 of 119 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Undoubtedly the best overview of "Darwin's Islands"., May 20, 1998

By A Customer

I am a biologist that has been working in the Galapagos as a Naturalist leading tours there for the last 6 years. Michael Jackson's book is the "Bible" for the beginning naturalist and certainly more than adequate for the casual "ecotourist". Jackson covers all major aspects of the history, geology, ecology, and biology of the islands. In the "biology" section, he gives a clear, concise, but thorough group-by-group treatment of all major taxa including plants, reptiles, land and sea birds, mammals, and a brief section covering marine life. While there are other guidebooks available, none come close to the accuracy, clarity of presentation, and logical format of this book. Of particular usefulness are the many photos, tables, and graphs which provide a visual representation of many of the topics discussed and a synthesis of large amounts of data.

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The one book needed when travelling to the galapagos, August 14, 2000

By	Jennifer Dondero (NY, NY United States) - See all my reviews

I just recently returned from the Galapagos Islands, and the book that guided me throughout my journey was this book by M.H. Jackson. Very easy to find the animal you are looking, and also helps to discover more creatures to look for. Helped explain things further from what the guides had said. Also helped me in answering many people's questions about different creatures. A Great book! A must for all travelers to the galapagos in search of unique wildlife.

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful introduction to the life of this fantastic place, April 29, 2006

By	David J. Wilson (Belleville, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

My wife and I bought Jackson's book in preparation for a trip to the Galapagos. The book served us well; when we arrived at the islands we felt that we were almost on a first-name basis with all the fantastic creatures and plants that make the Galapagos such a fascinating place. The book is considerably more than just a field guide; it includes information on the islands' history, their environmental and ecological setting, and the conservation efforts being made to preserve this truly unique place. And, as the title indicates, the book provides a lot of natural history, not just a brief summary of bare facts about each animal or plant. Not only is it a fine guide, it is a most enjoyable read.