Islands: Nature and Culture

Islands: Nature and Culture is a PDF digital book by Stephen A. Royle. It is available for instant download after purchase.

This illustrated study examines islands through geography, science, literature, art, mythology, religion, popular culture and tourism. It considers both their natural appeal and the practical limits faced by island communities.

The digital edition is supplied as a PDF for reading on compatible devices and reading applications.

Book Overview

Stephen A. Royle presents a cultural and scientific history of islands around the world. The book explores their definition and formation, physical characteristics, economies, and the animals, plants and people living on them.

It also examines the contrasting meanings attached to islands. They may represent remote beauty, escape, imprisonment, holiday, exile, refuge or creative inspiration. The discussion includes Darwin’s voyage to the Galapagos Islands, island population loss, tourism development and examples associated with Paul Gauguin in Tahiti and George Orwell on the Scottish island of Jura.

Published by Reaktion Books in the Earth series, the book is intended for readers interested in island geography, nature, culture, literature, visual arts and popular culture.

What You’ll Discover Inside

• Definitions, formation processes and characteristics of islands.
• Island identity, mythology, religion and customary practices.
• Islands as laboratories for scientific study.
• Island literature and the representation of islands in writing.
• Islands in visual arts, film, television and radio.
• Popular culture, tourism, island economies and population loss.
• An appendix covering 100 islands, including Australia.

Why This Book Matters

Islands bring together geographical, environmental, scientific and cultural questions in a single subject. Their isolation, limited resources and distinctive communities have shaped both practical life and imaginative representations.

By connecting science with art, literature, mythology, religion and popular culture, Islands: Nature and Culture presents island life as a broad field of study. Its structure also provides reference material through a bibliography, island resources and websites, and an index.

Book Details

Device Compatibility

This is a digital PDF download, so no physical copy is shipped. Access is available after purchase.

The file works with appropriate Kindle apps, tablets, desktop computers, mobile devices and compatible reading apps that support PDF files. Printing is not promised.

FAQ

When can I access the book?
Access is available after purchase, with instant download of the digital PDF.

Will I receive a physical copy?
No. This product is a digital download and does not include physical shipping.

Which devices support the file?
The PDF can be read with appropriate Kindle apps, tablets, desktop computers, mobile devices and compatible reading apps.

Download Islands: Nature and Culture for focused reading on the geography, science and cultural significance of island life.

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