The Galapagos Islands

by Pierre Constant

The wildlife paradise of the Galapagos Islands, long regarded as a mysterious and desolate spot, is a showcase of evolution in action. A spawning ground for Charles Darwin's famous theory, the islands have become a National Park dedicated to the conservation of many unique species threatened with extinction. Pierre Constant provides detailed descriptions of the geology and natural history of the archipelago, the visitors' sites, as well as the spectacular sea and land birds, peculiar reptiles, playful mammals and amazing marine life that make their homes there. His superb photographs complement the text excellently. * Written by a world-recognized expert * Fascinating scientific and historical background * Meticulous descriptions of the flora and fauna * Extensive coverage of the 19 largest islands in the archipelago * Detailed discussion and listing of 52 dive sites * Includes a glossary and bibliography * Fully updated

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Science

302 pages, Paperback

First published December 15, 1998

Reviews

[Catherine Woodman]

This is the third book that I have read in preparation for a trip to the island archipelago, and here is what I thought. The geology of the islands, which is purportedly the thing that interested Darwin most about them, is detailed in both understandable writing as well as pictures (there are photographs as well as simple line drawings that spell it all out quite clearly. I skipped Earth Sciences in high school and never doubled back to study it at all, so if I can understand it, pretty much anyone can follow it). The other thing that stands out in the comprehensive cataloging of the flora and fauna is the extensive photographs, which help a visual person manage the large amount of data in your head. The background on why these things are significant is scanter than in other volumes on the same subject, but overall, it adds to what I have already read, and I would recommend it, especially to certain kinds of learners and those with specific interests in the Galapagos.

[June]

Older edition though, wish I’d have read it before decided to go down there. Beautiful photos of wild life and free-hand drawings uncommon in any current guide books.
I found a few incoherences.

[Gary Ganong]

Thorough explanation of the geology, flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands.

[Johanna DeBiase]

It's a bit dry, but a great book if you are interested in natural history of the Galapagos. It covers everything.

[Paula]

Informative. worth reading before going to Galapagos.