The Galapagos

An example of a quintessential read for the Natural History enthusiast. Though fairly succinct and relatively vague, Nicholls has captured through snapshot chapters the wonderful essence of the Galapagos and its history from firey conception to present political position. Furthermore, it unexpectedly (though delightfully) reveals some interesting flourishes and characteristics of its wildlife inhabitants including a particularly disturbing insight into the social interactions between Red-footed Boobies. I'll say no more, but it's really quite fascinating.This book is a fine entree for such classics as The Voyage of the Beagle and The Origin of Species, two books that it references often - and why wouldn't it? As Nicholls' book mentions, Darwin and the Galapagos are, in retrospect, now almost synonymous (even if the famed Finches made no appearance whatsoever in TOoS).But Darwinian or not, there's a lot to enjoy - particularly when coupled with David Attenborough's superb 2013 documentary on the subject (including one of the last appearances of Lonesome George two weeks before his death). To conclude, Henry Nicholl's Galapagos is a fine and thorough exploration of one of the most fascinating ecosystems on the planet.

This is a most interesting book; I learned a lotabout the famous archipel. In fact it wascompletely different from what I expected.A happy surprise, as far as I am concerned.

I enjoyed reading this book on the Galapagos well written and researched/

I chose five stars for the book because it is suitable for all ages to enjoy this book. Worthwhile read.

Lots of pictures

A very readable, lucid account with considerable scientific detail and a touch a humour.

Nicholls is a splendid writer. Excellent research. Clever organisation. Thoughtful presentation. If you're going to Galapagos and want a good overview of the islands as a zoological and human space, this is the book for you. It's not a guidebook, more an encyclopaedic overview with an emphasis on understanding rather than well-trodden paths. Especially so on human effects over the past two centuries. And Nicholls writes extremely well. A comfortable read mixing science and story with easy.

A must-have read for anyone travelling to the Galapagos or simply interested in these enchanted islands or indeed in natural history in general. Henry Nicholls writes beautifully and engagingly and this book is an absolute gem.

By adopting a slightly unconventional structure (with each chapter devoted to a single component of the Galapagos Islands' ecosystem), Nicholls is able to pack this work full of fascinating tidbits in only a couple of hundred pages. A good launch pad for further thinking and exploration on ecotourism and the history and future of conservation.

We read this book prior to our recent visit to the Galapagos. It served as a terrific overview of all aspects of the islands, ranging from the geology, the plants and flowers, the animals, and the human history. It made our visit that much more special. Highly recommended.

had the book from the library -- found it very good and wanted a copy for our trip

good research and refernence book

Beautifully written, fantastic overview of the Galapagos. Perfect to read before travelling to the islands. I read in a single push on the plane from NZ. Humour, relevant information and a perfect introduction to the Galapagos!

Although I was too busy on my recent visit to the islands to complete the book, I finished it after the trip. It's a few years out of date, which only means that the author was not able to convey the most recent news. If anything, I would have preferred a bit more detail, especially the discussion at the end about Ecuadoran politics and international efforts as they impacts the islands. Very important when it comes to Santa Cruz, the most inhabited of all the islands. Otherwise, the descriptions of the unique wildlife and geology of the islands are quite good.

I read this prior to visiting the Galapagos. It's an excellent book. In an easy to read and well organised style, the book introduces the reader to the history, geology, fauna and flora of the islands. It touches on the political and funding issues in a quaintly English and very polite way toward the end which is amusing, whilst allowing the reader to read between the lines as well as the lines themselves.It informed where I needed to read more widely, revealed the multiple layers of the Galapagos for the visitor, and is the best introduction to the Islands I've read.Well worth reading whether you're going or not. But go, it is one of the most enchanting places on this small planet.

I read this while I spent several weeks in the Galapagos last month--this book provided a really firm foundation for my time there all told in an informative, entertaining way. I highly recommend this book to anyone with even a passing interest in the past, present, and future of these remarkable islands.

The book was very readable; it explained Darwinism through examples in easy, non-pedantic terms. The focus on human history as well as the fauna created more complete understanding of the islands. I especially appreciated the nod given to Ecuador's efforts at preserving the environment through conservation efforts and by limiting the human population.

A great little read if you are traveling to the Galapagos or have done so. Also alarming to think about how much the human footprint impacts the world. Fascinating information about Darwin & other scientists' discoveries as well.

Excellent guide book...made our trip that much more informative.

I read this book when we were in the Galápagos Islands and finished right after we finished our trip, the book is a great read, has lots of detailed information.

I read this on the way to the Galapagos. It provided comprehensive "interested general public" information about this very special place. Sadly, the current level of Natural Guides in the islands is not that high, and this book was important to fill in the gaps.

We are going to go there in a couple of months. I can’t imagine a better introduction to the literature, science, and history of the Galapagos Islands.

Christmas gift for son