 Through Writers' Eyes: Galapagos
John Hickman
Editor: John Hickman Pages: 232
ISBN: 978 1906011 10 9
Genre: Travel Collections New publications:
This title is published in February 2009. For more details on our new and forthcoming titles, please click here
Date of first publication: 2009
Eland publication date: February 1, 2009
Price: £12.99
The Galapagos Islands, an ‘enchanted archipelago' with natural volcanic beauty, were made famous by the explorations of Charles Darwin. The near-miraculous survival of unique species of birds and animals on these remote Pacific islands gave birth to his revolutionary theory of evolution. John Hickman, who sailed past them as a young man and later went to serve as British ambassador to both Chile and Ecuador, became fascinated by the islands. He always kept an ear open for the human stories behind the Galapagos, and discovered pirates and buccaneers, writers and exiles, real life Robinson Crusoes and Swiss Family Robinsons as well as the schemes of Spanish Kings, Inca Emperors and American filibusters
biography of John Hickman
‘[This] stylish guided tour ranges from the Incas via Alexander Selkirk, the original Crusoe … to a creepy tale of real-life murder on Charles' Island in the thirties, described as “worthy of Agatha Christie at the top of her form.” Though war, piracy, colonial jostling and tourism all left their mark, Darwin's awed appreciations of the archipelago's unique natural assets is the most significant and readable chapter.'
The Independent
‘John Hickman, a former ambassador to Ecuador, brings to light the history of the archipelago that has fallen in Charles Darwin's shadow … whether the drama is in the natural or the human, there is a sense throughout the book that, while the islands have been a paradise for some and pandemonium for others, the Galapagos archipelago will always be one of the most remarkable places on earth.'
TLS
‘This literary history of ‘Darwin's Islands' draws on a range of personal accounts by footloose writers from Herman Melville to Lord Byron, as well, of course, as the words of the great naturalist himself… Ideal for armchair travellers and natural historians.'
Time Out
‘An excellent companion for a visit to Galapagos and entertaining enough to satisfy anyone wanting a romp through the impossibly romantic history'.
Johanna Angermeyer, The Tablet
‘Float away to the ultimate island escape with Galapagos.'
Wanderlust
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