Iceland Paperback – January 29, 2015

This work fills a need. Iceland is, if nothing else, a play land of Natural exotica, the work of volcanic lava, frozen ice and ocean waves all coming together in a myriad of manners often some few kilometers apart. With thousands of micro-ecologies, the tremendous range of findings is immense, though less so to the extent of human disruption. The limited climate and difficult terrain has kept wholesale human intervention at bay in a way that has not been possible in Hawaii. The two islands (currently the big island, formerly those to it's northwest) have been formed by volcanoes coming out of new plate deposition, fanning out from a central core and being newest in the island interior and most ancient at the fringes, where the most arable land and largest variety of fauna and flora might exist in equilibrium with variable sea encroachment.With all the natural bounty to see, standard fare of tourist literature gives scant attention to the ecological sites.This work is fortunately detailed in its address of various issues geologic, ecological and even descriptive of speciation of the bizarre to be had in Iceland. The text is detailed and the pictures plentiful in color with attention to landscape and species in good proportion and in adequate color, though I cannot attest yet to the fidelity in respect to th latter, not having travelled to the country yet.Humans have played havoc in the country in the past with introduction of sheep which have overgrazed and by introduction of foreign animals (mice) and plants (Nootka Lupin) which have in the latter instance spread at the cost of other species. In itself, man's need to explore is another insult to nature, whether in the National Parks here or in Iceland. Sampling of nature, disruption of fragile plants of soils and sheer thoughtless contamination of the environment with human waste can damage any land. The recent surge of tourism with increasing hiking, flights, ferry rides and Four Wheel drive vehicle treks about the island are apt to alter the land, if not to threaten it's survival. It is a salute to the author that he addresses at least some potential provisos for a less traumatic exploration of the natural sites to be encountered.Disappointments to me include limited address of sea life impacting the country, whether fish, mammals such as whales or sea flora. A possible limitation, to the extent of revealing my ignorance here, is the suspected incomplete address of the invertebrates of the island. Some insects are noted, but one wonders whether there are no spiders, slugs, snails or shelfish. No notation has been made to any of this. I am sure that most travelers are more concerned with the plentiful bird fauna and the scant mammals present. Even three or four pages might be listed as an appendix for those interested in the island's invertebrate cohabitants. This would not even address the oceanic lot of Cephalopoda (Squid, Octopi or Nautica), the possible Crustaceans (Crabs or Lobsters) or Echinoderms (Starfish, Sand Dollars of Sea Cucumbers). Perhaps none of these are native to the region, but coverage to at least address the presence of absence of these would have been a substantial benefit, if only to those budding naturalists of experts with bents towards those branches of zoological study.A last concern is the limited attention to the mention as to prime seasons to see various species. With limited space, this could readily be thought to be quibbling, but a substantial space is given to species name as English, Latin, German and Dutch. In a book such as this, printed (at least here) in English, there might be a debate whether one column might not address peak flowering for plants instead of the German of Dutch names of a plant.On the whole however, the coverage is here and in a way that Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, Fodors or Kinderly Dorsing books cannot even dream of approaching.

I love this book. It covers a wide range of natural history in a very readable way. It covers topics like geology, climate, habitats, and illustrates major plants, mammals, and birds in a non-field guide way. While those who love their field guides (and I am one) may not get enough detail, I liked the more story-like format that gives a feel for why Iceland is the way it is today and what a tourist there might expect. About half the book covers suggested walks and provides information on the types of geology and habitats one will encounter on those walks - along with the major species likely to be seen.

This is a great guide if you're interested in the birds and nature of Iceland. We'll written and easy to follow. Love it.

This is a great guide to Iceland for people looking for the natural side of the Island. It's well written and accurate - really useful.

Very useful book for planning a birding holiday. Provides plenty of detail on the best areas to visit.

absolutely excellent and very comprehensive, authoritative guide. thoroughly recommend it

Excellent book covering geography, geology, wildlife etcetera to a depth which is interesting yet still accessible to a nnn expert. Will buy more in this series when travelling to countries covered by the series.

Great overview of what Iceland has to offer!