Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands (Lonely Planet Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands)

Book Description

Climb the snow-capped peak of Volcán Chimborazo, the most distant point from the center of the Earth. Get up close and personal with capuchin monkeys in the central plaza of Misahuallí. Step back in time at Ingapirca, Ecuador's finest example of Inca architecture. Take in the surf scene on the south coast. Sophisticated cities, glaciated volcanoes, the lush Amazon Basin - our inimitable guide gives you access to all the treasures of exotic Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands

o GO WILD - special chapter on GalÃ¡pagos wildlife by noted nature writer David Andrew helps you identify the many species unique to the islands
o VENTURE OUT - expanded focus on activities, adventure and ecotravel, plus a dedicated Itineraries chapter to help you explore this compact yet varied country
o GET SMART - comprehensive History and Culture chapters provide insight into Ecuador's volatile political landscape and vital indigenous communities
o WALK THE WALK - discover the colonial charms of Quito and Cuenca with our detailed maps and walking tour

Customer Reviews:

Nice.......2007-09-15

Excellent book to give you an idea of Ecuador and help you plan your trip.

Superb Guidebook.......2007-08-07

I went on a one-week long trip in Quito and its surroundings. It was my first trip to South America, also to a country where I do not speak the language fluently. This one had accurate descriptions of places I wanted to see, and it also gave precise directions on how to get to the places that are outside Quito. I have visited extensively the capital and other near areas, and from little-known corner eateries to magical trees, everything is noted in this book. Lonely Planet never failed to amaze me again in this one.

New 7th Edition Offers Important Updated Information.......2006-12-15

I purchased the latest edition of this book shortly after it's release on November, 30 and was very impressed with it's significant improvements over the 6th edition. I bought the previous book 2 years ago and, even at that time, was struck by how out of date and inaccurate some of it's information was. My wife grew up in Ecuador, still has family living there and goes back every year to visit (I go there with her every 2 years). So we, especially she, have a pretty good idea about what is happening in the country in terms of politics, prices and other information relevant to travellers. But we were disappointed how the previous book barely mentioned the major impact of dollarization on the Ecuadorian economy and the substantial increase in prices it has caused. So much so that most Ecuadorian families now have at least one or more family members working overseas in order to send money home just so the family can survive.

Fortunately, the 7th edition provides much more up to date information on this subject and others. Of course, prices for travellers are also more accurate since this edition is "hot off the presses". The book does a good job of covering all regions of the country - the Andes mountains, the Pacific coast and the Amazon rainforest. Lonely Planet, as usual, includes not only the big cities and major tourist attractions. But also small towns and other "off the beaten path" places that may be of interest for those exploring the tremendous natural beauty and cultural diversity that Ecuador has to offer.

Lonely Planet is still among my favorite publisher of travel guides. But, this book, like many LP guides, seems to have moved away from the free-spirited, adventurous approach to travel that characterized it's early years. Nowadays, the guides seem much more inclined to politically correct lectures - no hitchhiking, no intoxicants, be a good little backpacker, blah, blah, blah. Of course, I understand the importance of being respectful towards the environment and local culture, making safe and responsible decisions, etc. But I also feel that LP's writers sometimes have their own political agenda to push and take an overly self-righteous tone that is more indicitative of Western values than Ecuadorian ones. Heck, I'm part of an Ecuadorian family myself now and I know that they would find alot of LP's advice and commentary about "how to behave" to be exaggerated and ridiculous. Ecuadorians are generally a very laid back and fun loving people. Of course, you should be respectful of Ecuador's beautiful nature and diverse cultures. But also relax, enjoy yourself and don't let LP's excessively "politically correct" attitude bog you down.

Still the 7th edition is a big improvement over the 6th and I recommend it for those travelling to Ecuador in the near future.

6th edition 3.5 stars... time for update, guys.......2006-03-26

I'm a Lonely Planet addict who knew better than to blindly buy this edition (if you order one now -6th edition, as I did, you'll get 2003 info), but addicts usually are not known for using their heads.

Quito is rather different nowadays, bus lines are new, and there are different security issues.

At least I can say that 6th ed authors err on the side of caution (eg it's risky to expect to book last minute space on Galapagos boats; or take a taxi at night even if you're going one block), but the exceptions to these dicta are too great to accept that this edition is up-to-date. The errors in museum hours and bus info (Mitad del Mundo, for one) need revision.

Worst thing about ANY Lonely Planet is their system of maps. Reader never gets text of an attraction or restaurant or hotel referenced to map location. AND if you need reading glasses, just forget about using these maps when you're in a dark taxi or dark restaurant (often the places you need to read them). Bringing a magnifying glass is not always easy.

Another grouse... while authors want to tell the traveler that the most conveniences are in the Mariscal Sucre area (gringo landia), they don't leave it at that. They list almost no restaurants & resources outside that area. I thank the authors for including my fringe area hotel in the book, for I can walk to grungy backpacker-ville any time I want to, BUT there is a true pressure towards a kind of "this is where you will stay because most travelers do." Get off the beaten path, fellas!

So, thanks for the tips, but I'm glad I used travelwise.com and other resources. Lonely Planet system may be a thing of the past soon.

You can take it with you.......2006-02-24

I've used LP before for trips. Once you get the book, you are invited to go on-line for up-dates. There you are directed to "The Thorn Tree" forum. I used it just about every day to keep well-informed and prepare for the trip. The guide is an easy ready and full of useful information. Prior uses were very accurate.

The Beak of the Finch: A Story of Evolution in Our Time

Average customer rating:

The Beak of the Finch
Wonderful science and a great narrative
One of the Best Books on Nature
Excellent quality -- arrived in good time
Beyond Darwin

The Beak of the Finch: A Story of Evolution in Our Time
Jonathan Weiner
Manufacturer: Vintage
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Galapagos: A Natural History
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Evolution's Workshop: God and Science on the Galápagos Islands
Birds, Mammals, and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands: An Identification Guide, 2nd Edition

ASIN: 067973337X
Release Date: 1995-05-30

Amazon.com

Rosemary and Peter Grant and those assisting them have spend twenty years on Daphne Major, an island in the Galapagos studying natural selection. They recognize each individual bird on the island, when there are four hundred at the time of the author's visit, or when there are over a thousand. They have observed about twenty generations of finches -- continuously.
Jonathan Weiner follows these scientists as they watch Darwin's finches and come up with a new understanding of life itself.

Book Description

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize

On a desert island in the heart of the Galapagos archipelago, where Darwin received his first inklings of the theory of evolution, two scientists, Peter and Rosemary Grant, have spent twenty years proving that Darwin did not know the strength of his own theory. For among the finches of Daphne Major, natural selection is neither rare nor slow: it is taking place by the hour, and we can watch.

In this dramatic story of groundbreaking scientific research, Jonathan Weiner follows these scientists as they watch Darwin's finches and come up with a new understanding of life itself. The Beak of the Finch is an elegantly written and compelling masterpiece of theory and explication in the tradition of Stephen Jay Gould.

Customer Reviews:

The Beak of the Finch.......2007-07-16

Brilliant writing and organization shows that evolution can occur in as short a time frame as two years. Never boring. The non-scientist will find this book of our changing world a good read.

Wonderful science and a great narrative.......2007-04-14

"Beak" is perhaps the best popular book on evolution between Darwin and Dawkins.

Thoughtful, educated persons must know certain facts about the physical world. One of those facts is evolution. Evolution happens, it is not "just a theory."

As the author explains through the story of the work of Peter and Rosemary Grant, we can see natural selection operate in real time, season by season, in fish, birds, bacteria, and throughout the natural world. The explanation of evolution may be somewhat more open to debate but you can't participate meaningfully in the debate without being armed with some facts.

Don't bring a knife to an intellectual gunfight. Arm yourselves.

One of the Best Books on Nature.......2007-02-22

I have read much on evolution, and the evolution controversy in (primarily) the United States. This book does a wonderful job of demonstrating how scientists, right now, are recording and observing natural selection in action. Before I read this book I was not aware of how much information we really have about evolution and natural selection occurring in "the wild" on an everday basis. This book provides thorough mathematical evidence and predictive models of how natural selection changes the morphology of Darwin's Finches on the Galapogos Islands. It interleaves that story with a decent primer on evolution and snippets of other, similar research, going on right now too.

For example, it describes some fasicinating experiments conducted showing how quickly natural selection will change the color of Amazonian guppies based solely on the color of the rocks in the pools in which the guppies live, and the frequency of predation. It is amazing. As I read more about evolution, I see that rates of evolution vary widely. Evolution operating slowly (over 1000's or millions of years) is pretty obvious. This book provides a window into the amazing world of "rapid" evolution.

The best part about it is that it is as much a journalistic endeavor as a well-written book. This is NOT a polemic about why evolution is better than other ideas. This book simply reports the facts. If you don't understand evolution or believe it can be true after reading this book, then you aren't really trying to understand.

Finally, this book deserves the awards and accolades. It is well-written, well-researched, and well-organized. I don't give many books five stars, but this one is worth it. I would recommend it for anyone: scientists, kids, and just people interested in learning and fascinated by the world around us.

Excellent quality -- arrived in good time.......2007-02-10

The book is in excellent shape, and it arrived in a timely fashion.

Beyond Darwin.......2007-01-19

If you're only slightly interested in the ways the evolution works, then this is it. But beware to have some knowledge about the basics of evolution before moving on to this book. There's a bit of a steep learning curve when you're not all to familiair with Darwin's brilliant theory. It also gives a nice insight in the way scientists work.

Average customer rating:

The Perfect Guide
Dejavu
Diving Guide to the Galapagos Islands
THE Total Galapagos Adventure Guide - Not Just for Divers!
Excellent Galapagos trip planning guide or memento

The Diving Guide: Galapagos Islands
Steve Rosenberg , and Ellen I. Sarbone
Manufacturer: Cruising Guide Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

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Waterproof Galapagos Islands Map by ITMB
Galapagos (IMAX)

ASIN: 0944428703

Book Description

The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador's remote archipelago, is world renowned for adrenaline-charged diving and unique, fearless wildlife. These "Enchanted Islands" beckon both divers and non-divers from around the globe who come to dive with whale sharks and walk with giant tortoises.

This book includes all the information you'll need to visit this remote "ecological research lab"—in-depth descriptions of 43 dive sites with conditions, depths, topography and marine life, as well as detailed descriptions of dozens of land tours, with degree of difficulty, access, and terrestrial inhabitants. You'll also find full color photos, maps and helpful illustrations together with practical topside information, an overview of accommodations, weather, photography and much more.

Customer Reviews:

The Perfect Guide.......2007-01-12

This is the second copy of this book that I have owned. My husband and I took a scuba diving/ land tour trip to the Galapagos Islands and used this book until the cover fell off. Friends that traveled with us remarked that they wished that they had bought one as well. They used it as much or more than we did. It contains information regarding the dive sites and the land tours. It is very informative and descriptive! Since we are returning in July, I had to have a new copy.

Dejavu.......2006-03-08

This guide is so accurate that you feel that you were there before. Excelent for completing your logbook after you dive, it helps you remember every detail. Also great for land visits and snorkeling.

Diving Guide to the Galapagos Islands.......2005-10-03

Excellent guide with plenty of information on Equador, the Galapagos Islands individually, dive operations, and specific diving conditions and descriptions for each site. Nice photos and entertaining written presentation. I am planning a dive trip to Galapagos this year and will for sure bring this book along. It is nice to finally have a guidebook of this quality for this excellent diving area.

THE Total Galapagos Adventure Guide - Not Just for Divers!.......2005-03-13

This excellently written and stunningly photographed book is all anyone needs to take off for an exciting adventure in the Galapagos. And, while it covers everything divers need, it's also chock full of information about undertaking other outdoor adventures and the Islands themselves -- how to get around, history, above-ground flora and fauna, the rich undersea world, geography, and lots more. If you're the outdoors type, this book is an absolute must for any sojourn in the Galapagos...

Excellent Galapagos trip planning guide or memento.......2004-06-05

For those planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands, looking for reminders of past trips, or dreaming of going, this is the book for you. It manages a good balance of dive site specifics with topside attractions, all illustrated with excellent photos. While everyone has heard of the Galapagos Islands, there is a lot to consider if you are planning to go, and it is not easy to pull together all of the information. But this book does a great job in letting you evaluate the alternatives, such as live-aboards and land-based tours to make a choices that will let you see the locations and creatures that you are interested in.

It begins with a well-written introduction to the geography, history, ecology, accessibility and people and "Travel Basics" and "Diving, Snorkeling & Land Tours" sections that do a good job of orienting you to how to get there, what it is like, and the alternatives for how to see the islands. The reference section at the back contains a comprehensive directory of tour companies, boat operators, accommodation, and organizations such as the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos Conservation Trust. URLs for web sites are provided as well as phone numbers.

For divers this book is an excellent supplement to the pre-dive briefings you receive from the dive operators before entering the water. In-depth dive site discussions are organized geographically by island group. They consist of an orientation to the site layout, comprehensive descriptions of its features, as well as a step-by-step guide to how to best see what the site has to offer. Some sites are illustrated with site diagrams, while others have topside or underwater wide-angle photos.

While diving is the focus of the book, there is much for non-divers and snorkelers. Wildlife, both above and below the water, is comprehensively discussed and illustrated. Every page contains at least one photo, and many creatures are described in depth, including where and how to find and get close to them.

One of the best features of the book is its wildlife photography. As with Steve Rosenberg's other dive guidebooks, his creature photography is great, from the smallest crabs to the giant Whale Shark. His shots of turtles and sea lions portray their underwater behavior very effectively. Unless you are a proficient underwater photographer, you will want this book as a record of what you saw on your own trip (or as a guide for what to look for if you haven't been yet.)

Galapagos: A Natural History
Average customer rating:

Outstanding Resource

A wonderful introduction to the life of this fantastic place

The Guide's bible on the Galapagos

The one book needed when travelling to the galapagos

Undoubtedly the best overview of "Darwin's Islands".

Galapagos: A Natural History
Michael H. Jackson
Manufacturer: Michigan State University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Galapagos: World's End

ASIN: 1895176409

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.

Birds, Mammals, and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands: An Identification Guide, 2nd Edition

Average customer rating:

Birds, Mammals, and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands: An Identification Guide, 2nd Edition
This is still the Galápagos guide you want - this 2nd edition is even better than the 1st!
One of the best books we bought for our trip
An Identification Guide to the Birds,mammals, and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Animals Etc.

Birds, Mammals, and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands: An Identification Guide, 2nd Edition
Andy Swash , and Rob Still
Manufacturer: Yale University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Turtleback

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ASIN: 0300115326

Book Description

This simple-to-use, pocket-size volume offers a comprehensive guide to the unique wildlife of the Galápagos, encompassing all the birds, mammals, and reptiles a visitor to these extraordinary islands might encounter. The second edition corrects and amends plates and text, as well as adds six new photos of the whales.
Reviews of the first edition:
“The essential field companion for Galápagos visitors.”—The Quarterly Review of Biology
"I cannot conceive anyone going to the Galápagos without [this book] in hand." —Noble S. Proctor

Customer Reviews:

Birds, Mammals, and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands: An Identification Guide, 2nd Edition.......2007-01-09

An excellent, easy to use book that is well laid out with good illustrations. Ron

This is still the Galápagos guide you want - this 2nd edition is even better than the 1st!.......2005-11-09

Original review of 1st Edition, November 9, 2005

This is the Galápagos guide you want!

Andy Swash (photographer) and Rob Still (computer design wizard) have conspired to produce the handiest and most authoritative guide to the wildlife of these enchanted islands. They have pioneered the use of computer enhanced photographs, which combine the advantage of a photograph as an accurate record of an individual, with the artists ability to stress those features that are representative of the species. In one pocket-sized, 168 page, full-colour photographic guide you have all you need to identify almost all of the archipelago's wildlife including every living species of bird, mammal and reptile.

And since WILDGuides are a non-profit organisation which supports conservation throughout the world, you are helping ensure that the wildlife you enjoy today will still be there for others to enjoy tomorrow. Check out their other titles, all of which share the enhanced photography approach.

The prefect guide for the curious visitor and expert alike. Look no further!

----------------

Comments on 2nd Edition, September 5, 2006

This second edition (white cover) differs from the first (blue cover - see review above) as follows:-

* it includes new species for the islands, such as Green Heron and Grey-headed Gull
* all range maps have been revised and updated
* the cetaceans section has been completely revamped
* a new section on "electronic media" is provided
* the species checklist has been brought right up-to-date

The guide remains the top recommendation for wildlife observation on the islands and WILDGuides are still a non-profit organisation with an impressive record of donations to conservation.

One of the best books we bought for our trip.......2005-10-26

We bought this book as one of 5 guides to the Galapagos which we took with us on our trip in Oct 05. It was really excellent, so good in fact, that our wonderful naturalist guide asked if we could send him a copy. I just gave him ours and now I have to order it again for us! It's organized by type of animal and bird, which makes it easier for novices to experienced wildlife observers alike to identify animals and birds. It has a nice sturdy format also, which is good for taking along onto the islands.

I highly recommend this book!

An Identification Guide to the Birds,mammals, and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands.......2005-10-22

It is very informative for visitors to the islands and probably be able to recognize some of the birds etc when you see them.Yet to proof it during my next visit to the island in December 2005.

Galapagos Animals Etc........2005-09-01

I believe this book will help me a great deal when I travel to the Galapagos Island next week.

Average customer rating:

Galápagos on your coffee table
Visually stunning, comprehensively informative.

Spectacular Galapagos (Spectacular)
Tui De Roy
Manufacturer: Universe
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Galapagos
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.

Average customer rating:

Big Brained Humans Enjoy!
Once again, Vonnegut ends the world.
My Last Vonnegut For Awhile
Ya know what? I liked this book
Classic Vonnegut

Galapagos (Delta Fiction)
Kurt Vonnegut
Manufacturer: Dial Press Trade Paperback
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0385333870
Release Date: 1999-01-12

Book Description

“Beautiful…provocative, arresting reading.”–USA Today

KURT VONNEGUT is a master of contemporary American literature. His black humor, satiric voice, and incomparable imagination first captured America’s attention in The Sirens of Titan in 1959 and established him as “a true artist”* with Cat’s Cradle in 1963. He is, as Graham Greene has declared, “one of the best living American writers.”

Galápagos takes the reader back one million years, to a.d. 1986. A simple vacation cruise suddenly becomes an evolutionary journey. Thanks to an apocalypse, a small group of survivors stranded on the Galápagos Islands are about to become the progenitors of a brave new, and totally different human race. Here, America’s master satirist looks at our world and shows us all that is sadly, madly awry–and all that is worth saving.

“Vonnegut is a postmodern Mark Twain... Galápagos is a madcap genealogical adventure.”–The New York Times Book Review

* The New York Times

Customer Reviews:

Big Brained Humans Enjoy!.......2007-09-10

As usual Kurt Vonnegut's novel is filled with delightful creatures, strange personalities, and psychological messiness yet hope. Apart with providing an interesting description of the Gallapagos Islands, Darwin's original get-away, the book delves into the psychotic nature of human behavior, be it fiat money systems, evil minded power grabs, and destruction of the entire species. It's a delightful quick read, recommended to everyone who wants to enjoy reading.

Once again, Vonnegut ends the world........2007-08-05

I wouldn't usually presume to review Vonnegut, as he is among my favorite authors and my bias would tend to get in the way. That said, I was surprised (pleasantly so) by this book. It is the logical middle point between Slaughterhouse Five and Timequake, stylistically, and I would venture to say that it is in this book that Kurt perfected his nonlinear narrative style.

Vonnegut keeps no secrets, through the entire book, as to the sequence of events portrayed. However, the knowledge of impending events does nothing to ruin the book and everything to heighten suspense. The most fulfilling parts in this book are not in the sequence of events, but in the absurd fashion with which said events are reached and in the almost let-down quality of some of the major events when they do eventually occur.

Fans of traditional storytelling: beware. This book goes in every direction at once. No loose threads are left, but not every thread is tied in the same knot at the end... which is, of course, the end of the world.

My Last Vonnegut For Awhile.......2007-06-30

I've read a lot of V in a short time & it's time to take a break. How many different ways can an author say the human race is a disgrace to all creation? After awhile it starts to seem repetitive. V's point in Galapagos is not much different from his point in many other of his works. We humans think we're so smart but all we do is make ourselves and each other miserable and wreck the place. A good book. Clever and sardonic with equal amounts of scorn and kindness.

Ya know what? I liked this book.......2007-05-12

Vonnegut is awesome. I've only read this and Slaughter-House Five, but I'm very impressed. I liked this book a little less than Slaughter House...but it was still really interesting to me.

I liked the way that this book told you everything that was going to happen in the story right away. Maybe I've been entrigued by the way the book was written in both past and present. It jumps all over the place, but that's not bad...just unfamiliar. It was a good book.

I'd give it 4 1/2 stars.

Classic Vonnegut.......2007-03-20

Big brains are our problem! Given the mess the world is in today, Vonnegut's message is more on target than when he wrote the book. Excellent reading.

Galapagos: The Islands That Changed the World

Average customer rating:

A Perfect Combination of History and Picture Book

Galapagos: The Islands That Changed the World
Paul D. Stewart
Manufacturer: Yale University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Galapagos
Birds, Mammals, and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands: An Identification Guide, 2nd Edition
Galapagos: A Natural History
Wildlife of the Galapagos (Princeton Illustrated Checklists)
Waterproof Galapagos Islands Map by ITMB

ASIN: 0300122306

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.

Wildlife of the Galapagos (Princeton Illustrated Checklists)

Average customer rating:

A Life Changing Experience
Great resource
The only book to take with you
Wildlife of the Galapagos (Princeton Illustrated Checklists) by Julian Fitter
Wildlife of the Galapagos - A must have field guide

Wildlife of the Galapagos (Princeton Illustrated Checklists)
Julian Fitter , Daniel Fitter , and David Hosking
Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

Birds, Mammals, and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands: An Identification Guide, 2nd Edition
Galapagos: A Natural History
A Traveler's Guide to the Galapagos Islands (Non-Series Guidebooks) 4th Edition (Non-Series Guidebooks)
The Voyage of the Beagle: Charles Darwin's Journal of Researches (Penguin Classics)
Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands (Lonely Planet Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands)

ASIN: 0691102953

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).

Average customer rating:

Galapagos Diving
This is the book we used
The source
The new 2003 Edition
Top notch and usable GalÃ¡pagos fish ID field guide

Reef Fish Identification: Galapagos

Manufacturer: New World Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Diving Guide: Galapagos Islands
Birds, Mammals, and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands: An Identification Guide, 2nd Edition
Galapagos: A Natural History
Wildlife of the Galapagos (Princeton Illustrated Checklists)
Flowering Plants of the Galapagos

ASIN: 1878348353

Book Description

Updated enlarged 2nd Edition of Reef Fish Identification Galapagos is a comprehensive field guide to the fish life in the rich waters that bath the Galapagos Archipelago. This book is the third in the series of Reef Fish Identification books by the authors.

Customer Reviews:

Galapagos Diving.......2007-01-10

No other book brings the underwter world to the surface better. After diving the Galapagos this was the only book that I could use to show friends and family what was seen on an everday basis.

This is the book we used.......2005-08-02

I just returned from a week in the Galapagos islands, snorkeling almost every day. Several members of our guided group had various wildlife books, but our guide had this one and for fish it was all we needed and almost all we used. The pictures -- usually three to a page with accompanying text opposite -- are excellent for identification purposes, often showing variants. The notes include distinctive identifying characteristics. I recommend this book unreservedly for anyone planning to snorkel or SCUBA dive in the islands. I bought my copy after returning home because it so nicely encapsulates some of my best memories of the trip, but I wish I'd had it along so that I could have annotated it as the trip progressed.

The source.......2004-06-29

Paul Humann is IT when it comes to identification guides. This Galapagos ID book is no exception. It is as complete as they come, the photos are fantastic and the details are right on. Particularly useful are the notes on the abundance of each fish and the location, since so many fish have similar appearances and because the locations can help delineate one fish from another.

I tried a few others. Don't bother, go with this one.

The new 2003 Edition.......2003-12-09

I have been waiting for the new edition for about 6 months. Meanwhile I have purchased other Fish Identification books on the Galapagos, and it's true that the format of the Humann/DeLoach books is much more organized - putting all of the information in one place.
I had read in another review here that the new Reef Fish Identification Galapagos book that would come out in late 2003 would also contain Cocos and Malpelo islands. However, after a first scan through this edition, it appears to only cover Galapagos. I was a little disappointed in this - but still give it 5 stars because after all, it is exactly the high quality one would expect from this series. Having Cocos and Malpelo would have been a bonus.

Top notch and usable GalÃ¡pagos fish ID field guide.......2002-11-14

Paul Humann's now out-of-print book is part of an easy-to-use, photo-illustrated series of fish and invertebrate identification books. Information is given to differentiate species, habitat and location, as well as sizes- and often, photos of different color / life phases are shown. Great for snorkellers and divers. Its replacement is not due until late 2003, and then it will cover Cocos and Malpelo Islands as well as the Galápagos Islands. When it arrives, I will undoubtedly give it my highest recommendation, with all the others in the series- well done, Paul and Ned!

For those who want a more in-depth tome, I recommend Jack Grove's "The Fishes of the Galapagos Islands" (Hard, 936 pages, 1.94" x 10.35" x 7.27" , Stanford University Press, 1997; ISBN 0804722897, cost US$130.00) - THE definitive Galápagos fish identification book for those desirous of more comprehensive information, but by its size and price, no lighweight field guide for novices.

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