The Galapagos Islands: A Natural History Guide

by Pierre Constant

The wildlife paradise of the Galapagos Islands, long regarded as a mysterious and desolate place, is a showcase of evolution in action. A spawning ground for Charles Darwin's famous theory, the islands are now a National Park dedicated to the conservation

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Science

304 pages, Paperback

First published December 15, 1998

Reviews

[Catherine Woodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Johanna DeBiase · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative. worth reading before going to Galapagos.