Customer Reviews:
Outstanding Resource.......2007-07-16
I would imagine that most visitors to the Galapaos are not naturalists. For those without a strong background in natural sciences, I would highly recommend this book. The book is easy and fun to read, detailed without being tedious. The photos are amazing and the author's passion for the islands is evident. If you only have time to read one book, this is one I would advise a Galapagos visitor to read in advance of their trip.
A wonderful introduction to the life of this fantastic place.......2006-04-29
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.
The Guide's bible on the Galapagos.......2004-08-11
Every naturalist guide in the Galapagos has this book. They also sell this book at the Charles Darwin Center in Santa Cruz, and it is a must read. It explains how the islands came about and what makes them so unique. I highly recommend this book!
The one book needed when travelling to the galapagos.......2000-08-15
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.
Undoubtedly the best overview of "Darwin's Islands"........1998-05-21
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.
Average customer rating:
- Galápagos on your coffee table
- Visually stunning, comprehensively informative.
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Spectacular Galapagos (Spectacular)
Tui De Roy
Manufacturer: Universe
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Similar Items:
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Galapagos: Islands Born of Fire
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Wildlife of the Galapagos (Princeton Illustrated Checklists)
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Galapagos: A Natural History
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Galapagos
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Galapagos (IMAX)
ASIN: 0883638479
Release Date: 1999-09-28 |
Book Description
Over millions of years the story of the Galapagos has been one of birth, death, and rebirth, as volcanoes rise above the "hot spot" only to crumble back into the sea and be replaced by new ones. This cycle has given way to a "magic web" where antediluvian dragons sleep alongside gull chicks and, in the sun-baked interiors, gigantic cacti become the only source of moisture for birds and animals. These islands inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution when he explored them aboard the HMS Beagle in 1835.
A pairing of spectacular photographs and insightful text by the award-winning author explores this unique island setting, a collection of animals and an environment unparalleled anywhere on earth.
Customer Reviews:
Galápagos on your coffee table.......2000-08-31
I treasure the time I spent in Ecuadór's Galápagos Islands, "Las Islas Encantadas". Tui De Roy has managed to capture the essence of these wondrous islands as much as can be done photographically and make them accessible to everyone. A wonderful gift for those who love nature, or those who have been there.
For those who are going there, add Michael Jackson's book on the natural history, Paul Humann's book on the underwater and Barry Boyce's guide book. Tui De Roy's book will whet their appetite and serve as a vivid reminder after the trip is over.
Visually stunning, comprehensively informative........2000-02-03
The author moved to the Galapagos Islands at the age of two and spent over thirty years exploring their natural wonders: Spectacular Galapagos is an oversized presentation pairing a natural history text with spectacular full-page color photos of the Galapagos creatures, blending a coffee table presentation with scientific facts. Highly recommended: Spectacular Galapagos is an astonishing visual wonder in and of itself.
Book Description
Rocky, fragile, beautiful, strange—the Galápagos archipelago is unlike any other place on earth. Its geology, its unique flora and fauna, and its striking role in human history intersect in surprising and dynamic ways. This book is the most wide-ranging and beautifully illustrated book available on the famous islands. Not since Darwin’s Naturalist’s Voyage has a book combined so much scientific and historic information with firsthand accounts that bring the Galápagos to life.
Galápagos: The Islands That Changed the World describes how tragedy and murderous pirates curtailed settlement of the islands and how the islands’ pristine nature, spectacular geology, and defining isolation inspired Darwin’s ideas about evolution. The book explores the diverse land and marine habitats that shelter Galápagos species and considers the islands’ importance today as a frontier for science and a refuge for true wilderness.
The book’s extensive gazetteer provides details about endemic plants and animals as well as travel advice about visitors’ sites, diving, photography, when to go, and what to take. Vividly illustrated throughout, this guide is an indispensable reference for natural history enthusiasts, armchair travelers, and island visitors alike.
Customer Reviews:
A Perfect Combination of History and Picture Book.......2007-03-09
There are many books on the Galápagos Islands but Paul Stewart's work is certainly one of the most appealing and true representations of this famous spot in the Pacific Ocean. Naturally, Darwin occupies an important part of Mr. Stewart's prose, but equally impressive is the space given to extraordinary photos. This is not surprising given that Paul Stewart is first and foremost a photographer.
Whether this book can finally dispel the doubts of some people about evolution vs creation is anybody's guess but it will not be for lack of authentic facts as described by the author. The book is a real page-turner.
Book Description
The Galápagos is a truly special place. Unlike the rest of the world's archipelagoes, it still has 95 percent of its prehuman quota of species. Wildlife of the Galápagos is the most superbly illustrated and comprehensive identification guide ever to the natural splendor of these incomparable islands--islands today threatened by alien species and diseases that have diminished but not destroyed what so enchanted Darwin on his arrival there in 1835. Covering over 200 commonly seen birds, mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, and plants, it reveals the archipelago's striking beauty through more than 400 color photographs, maps, and drawings and well-written, informative text.
While the Galápagos Giant Tortoise, the Galápagos Sea Lion, and the Flightless Cormorant are recognized the world over, these thirty-three islands--in the Pacific over 600 miles from mainland Ecuador--are home to many more unique but less famous species. Here, reptiles well outnumber mammals, for they were much better at drifting far from a continent the archipelago was never connected with; the largest native land mammals are rice rats. The islands' sixty resident bird species include the only penguin to breed entirely in the tropics and to inhabit the Northern Hemisphere.
There is a section offering tips on photography in the Equatorial sunlight, and maps of visitors' sites as well as information on the archipelago's history, climate, geology, and conservation. Wildlife of the Galápagos is the perfect companion for anyone who wants to know what so delighted Darwin.
- Covers over 200 commonly seen species including birds, mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, plants, and coastal and marine life
- Illustrated with over 400 color photographs, maps, and drawings; includes maps of visitors' sites
- Written by wildlife experts with extensive knowledge of the area
- Includes information on the history, climate, geology, and conservation of the islands
- The most complete identification guide to the wildlife of the Galápagos
Customer Reviews:
A Life Changing Experience.......2007-05-12
Anybody planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands needs to have this book in their pocket while on the islands. The photographs of plants and animals alike are as realistic as you will see on the islands and such reality will allow one to easily identify the wealth of species you will encounter. Descriptions of individual species include a listing of which island(s) the plant or animal is typically found. Added features in this book include maps of the islands with trails and listings of what to look for; tips on photography; and guidelines for respecting the national park and being a responsible visitor to the islands.
Great resource.......2007-02-28
I just returned from the Galapagos, and this book was invaluable!!!! It was a great resource and I referenced it quite a bit. I would definetly recommend it to anyone going or thinking of going to the Galapagos!!!
The only book to take with you.......2007-01-31
This book and a highlighter made it possible to keep track of the many birds and mammals, plants and invertrabrates that we saw during a recent week in the Galapagos. I would highly recommend it.
Wildlife of the Galapagos (Princeton Illustrated Checklists) by Julian Fitter.......2006-08-02
I am going to visit the Galapagos and will be taking this guide with me. After reading this book, I think that it is a must for anyone visiting these islands.
Wildlife of the Galapagos - A must have field guide.......2005-10-22
If you plan to visit the Galapagos Islands, this is the book to bring with you. This field guide covered all of the major highlights of the Galapagos (animals, plants, geology...) as well as give detail about everything you could possibly find on these islands. The entire book is printed on stury, glossy paper, with bright colorful pictures.
Overall this is a must have if you plan to go to the Galapagos. When I went I brought the book with me everywhere. It was small enough to fit in a big side pocket or a small bag. Everything about this book is just logical; the size, the order, and even the type of paper it is printed on. The only other thing you need after getting this book is a mechanical pencil & a geology field notebook (waterproof) - along with a ziplock bag for your field guide & camera (this is for when you go on the pangas).
Customer Reviews:
Excellent text and photos in this brief book.......2007-07-11
I agree with the previous reviewers: I carried this book to the Galapagos and found it a super companion. It isn't comprehensive -- and a few additional pages of IDs and photos might be desirable -- but it covers all of the essential natural-history topics: geology/volcanoes, history, fish, birds, mammals, turtles & iguanas, geography and so on -- and the photos and text are excellent. Indeed, the text is what sets it apart; there are short, interesting discussions of many of the features that are exceptional to the islands, so without any deep study you come away with some appreciation of what you have seen. Finally, in addition to the good chapters mentioned by other reviewers, there is an excellent chapter for planning your trip, which details what you will see where. It is amazing that so much good stuff was fit into this thin book. Take it with a more comprehensive treatment if you want the name of everything you see (or ask your guide).
Galapagos Wildlife, 2nd:A Visitor's Guide.......2007-03-27
Small enough to bring with me, but comprehensive enough to be helpful giving a good overview of the habitat and wildlife of the Galapagos. Pictures good as are descriptions of the islands and conservation.
Good to superficial guide, depending on your interests.......2002-12-05
Having visited the Galápagos and planning my return, I can say this introductory booklet (140 pages) is a reliable for people who want an overall idea of the ecology and want to identify some of the most prominent wildlife they are likely to encounter - it is easy to understand, has good information, decent photos of the main players and illustations of the commonest landing sites. For you, this booklet rates three stars for clarity, comprehension level and lightness in your backpack, but it fails next to Andy Swash and Rob Still's more comprehensive and better illustrated "Birds, Mammals and Reptiles of the Galápagos Island".
For those who want a more in depth knowledge of the Galápagos and their wildlife, or are traveling to some of the more remote sites or the northernmost islands: you will feel short-changed and wish you had purchased more comprehensive guide(s), so you can identify all the critters you will possibly observe and learn much more about their habitats and behaviors, climate and cvlimate zones, etc. For those travelers (birders, nature buffs, divers, etc.), this booklet rates a generous three stars for its relatively topical treatments.
Choose your guidebooks according to your interests and skills. And go there, walk softly and leave nothing. Visiting should have as little impact as possible, and in my opinion when done properly does help protect these wonderful islands of biological diversity from rampant pirate fishing, oil spills and short-sighted political stewardship. Our "tangibilitized" interest is the only one the Ecuadorian government- at least up until now- has responded to.
Galapagos Wildlife.......2001-12-06
I just came back from the Galapagos and found David Horwell's book indispensable. It is a very readable and concise introduction to the flora and fauna of the Galapagos islands. Beautiful photographs. Very informative. Easy to carry around and refer to. I highly recommend the book to anyone interested in the Galapagos islands.
Travel size Galapagos.......2000-01-18
This relatively small book on the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands is packed with information and pictures. The author has gone to a great deal of trouble to condense a vast amount of data into a handbook for the traveller, without sacrificing essential information, clarity or accuracy. Not only does it cover the wildlife that the visitor is most likely to encounter, it also gives a succinct history of the islands. Working in the Galapagos Travel Industry, and having considered many similar books for pre-trip briefing and ready reference while in the islands, this is the book I would recommend.
Book Description
What to see and what to expect at each site in the Galapagos—revised with the latest details on park conditions and the visitor's experience.
·Meticulously updated in consultation with senior staff at Charles Darwin Research Station and expert island guides
·Human and natural history of the islands—now updated
·Tips for planning and making the most of your visit—now expanded
·Bonus chapter on travel in mainland Ecuador (rainforest and Andean Highlands)—now revised
Marylee Stephenson is besotted with passion-flowers, daisy trees, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. Traveling in tiny, hand-hewn converted fishing boats and on luxurious sailing vessels, she has explored the Galapagos Islands numerous times over the past two decades. In her engagingly written guide, she takes you to all the important sites, describing the plant and animal life to be seen and the experiences to be had in each area. Includes maps and color photography.
Marylee Stephenson is brilliantly equipped to act as both armchair and practical guide to the Galapagos Islands, one of the world's best remaining magic places. If you're going or thinking of it, or just want a vicarious experience, this book is required reading.--Margaret Atwood, author of Oryx and Crake and Moving Targets
Customer Reviews:
More of a checklist than an explication.......2003-01-27
The subtitle gives you an indication that this is not exactly a reading experience, but a guidebook during your actually sojourn. While it contains some useful pre-trip information, Stephenson concentrates on detailing the flora and fauna that are on each island, and their approximate locations, in a format that is almost like a checklist (or, for the birders out there, a lifelist). Stephenson is knowledgeable, and her information accurate as far as I can tell, but there's really no savoir faire here, and there's the rub. If I had only this to base my foreknowledge of the islands, I'm not so sure I'd be so excited about going. Luckily, there's other books that are better at capturing the uniqueness of the islands and their place in history and our world today.
Customer Reviews:
Good information but a little outdated.......2007-08-11
A very useful book to take with you to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. However, some of the information is a big outdated. We went took a Galapagos 7 day cruise with a company that isn't even listed in this book. It was the best vacation we had ever gone on - highly recommended! It was on the Athala w/ Columbus Travel. Still, the book is a good source of information.
A Great Travel Companion.......2007-04-20
This book was invaluable during my trip to the Galapagos. Unlike many guidebooks that contain out of date info, this book was current and a nice little reference book for both trip planning and island exploring.
Don't waste your money on this one........2007-02-17
This "guide" to the Galapagos contains long, boring chapters on tour companies, logistics (including insightful advice such as "bring lots of film" and "don't drink the water"), how to take photographs, and mainland Ecuador. There is a short chapter on Galapagos wildlife. Mr. Boyce owns Galapagos Travel, a tour company specializing in trips to the Galapagos. It is obvious that Mr. Boyce wrote this book for two reasons: (1) to establish himself as an "authority" on the Galapagos, and (2) to sell a copy to everyone who gets on one of his boats. Don't waste your money on this one. (I can't recommend his tour company, either.) If you are in the market for a good guide to the Galapagos, I highly recommend Michael Jackson's authoritative Galapagos: A Natural History Guide.
Great Guide.......2007-01-12
Booked a trip to Galapagos Islands...this book has been a great source of information on what to bring, what to expect, how to photograph wildlife, etc. Although, we had already booked our trip when we received the book, the section on "planning" your trip or choosing the tour company seemed like a great resource for someone doing initial research.
A fine book with some minor flaws.......2006-12-08
I was given this book as gift prior to a diving trip to Galapagos Islands in Nov 2006. I brought it along, as we would be visiting 4 islands during our liveaboard's journey. It was a good companion piece and I enjoyed reading Boyce's background on the basic animals you are likely to observe (sea lions, frigate birds, etc.) and the history of the islands. He mentioned that a sea lion was likely to be guarding the steps to the landing pad of South Plaza Island and that was the case when we visited!
He repeatedly mentions that one should not mix a diving trip with a land trip; I disagree with this opinion as we really enjoyed the variety of our trip (the scuba diving here is superb). He also does not recommend bringing a tripod, as it would be unfeasible to use on the trails. I found my tripod fairly indispensable for getting sharp photos of the iguanas and sally footed crabs and never a problem to use on land, so you may want to ignore this advice. Other than that, it was a useful guide for your Galapagos visit, truly an amazing place to visit!
Book Description
Since its creation in 1968, the Galápagos National Park has been considered by UNESCO as one of the jewels of the planet. Long regarded as a mysterious and desolate archipelago, this wildlife paradise is a true showcase of evolution in action. In recent years, the newly developed Marine Reserve fulfils the ultimate purpose of the National Park Service—protection and conservation of the region, following decades of abuse by illegal fishing.
This guide describes the rich human history, the geology and origin of the islands, the "El Niño" phenomenon, the amazing natural history, villages and visitors' sites, and provides insights into the regions' fascinating residents—sea birds, endemic land birds, prehistoric reptiles, playful sea lions and the incomparably enchanting underwater world. 180 color photos, 70 maps.
Customer Reviews:
Book on the Galapagos.......2007-06-10
Excellent coverage of the history and the geology, biology and conservation action being taken. Photographs very helpful particularly in identification of the finches.
Book Description
More than 100 splendid illustrations enhance this fascinating firsthand account of a 1923 expedition to survey the wildlife of the Galápagos Islands. Beebe, a renowned biologist and explorer, combines literary skill with careful research to produce an exceptionally readable book. "High romance, exact science, fascinating history, wild adventure." — Nation.
Customer Reviews:
Still Pertinent after all these years..........1997-11-02
In anticipation of a forthcoming trip to the Galapagos a visit to the local library turned up this 1924 book by Wm Beebe. Somewhat to my astonishment, the book captivated me. Wm Beebe (1877-1962) was not (as I heretofore had thought) merely a one-dimensioned, deep sea explorer. World traveler, naturalist, director of the NY Zoological Society -- he wrote books ranging from birding to jungle exploration. Beebe turns out to have been an early 20th century Loren Eiseley. This book records a 1923 trip undertaken by fourteen scientists from New York to the Galapagos in a steam power yacht, provided by a wealthy patron. They were later to learn that it was more suited to ladies "sipping tea" than oceanic cruising. They discovered to their astonishment that it was "neither an inexhaustible reservoir of fresh water, nor a floating coal mine". They had to cut short their Galapagos collecting and beat an unplanned retreat to Panama for more provisions. Beebe is a very readable author, with many a well turned phrase sprinkled thru the book. He describes the ocean voyage as, "... driving a momentary wedge thru sunshine, wind, and water..." Later, in a small boat, going ashore in the Galapagos, he describes the gentle swell "...which rose and fell as if the Pacific were breathing quietly and regularly." Accordingly, when it came time to jump, he appropriately waited for the ocean to "exhale". He finds both comfort and wonder in contemplating the Darwinian explanation of all he sees. For Beebe, there is an "honour of being one with all about me and in a small way to have at least an understanding..." He marvels, for example, in picking up a crustacean's shell, that having parted ways uncountable millions of years previously, now, quite by accident, they cross again. Beebe deplores both the early sailing depredations of the tortises and the wholesale slaughter of animals by previous scientific expeditions (how many flightless cormorants do you need to get an accurate description?). This expedition restricts themselves to capturing various specimens, which they hauled back to the NYC Zoo. They also took back sacks full of lava rocks, sand, plants, etc with which to make scenic dioramas in the AM Museum of NH. On page 265 one comes across the single most arresting observation in this book. As usual, profundity lies hidden in the details. It seems that Beebe "secured" (his euphimism for collecting) several specimens of different Darwin finches on Daphne, and found to his astonishment that their crops all contained identical food items, despite their differing bill shapes. All, even the heavy beaked birds, for exaple had uncrushed seeds in their crops. He repeated this observations several times, always with the same results. So there is more to the oft repeated, now almost cannonical evolutionary explanation of the differing finch beaks. The various finches are all eating the same things! Natural selection provides what appears to be a reasonable hypothesis to explain the various beaks, but what is really going on? I can think of no less than four explanations, but that is another tale. If anybody reads this and is curious, I am at proode@pol.net.
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