The Galápagos

A Natural History

By: Henry Nicholls

Narrated by: James Adams

The natural and human history of the Galapagos Islands - beloved vacation spot, fiery volcanic chain, and one of the critical sites in the history of science

The Galapagos were once known to the sailors and pirates who encountered them as Las Encantadas: the enchanted islands, home to exotic creatures and dramatic volcanic scenery. In The Galapagos, science writer Henry Nicholls offers a lively natural and human history of the archipelago, charting its evolution from deserted wilderness to scientific resource (made famous by Charles Darwin) and global ecotourism hot spot. He describes the island chain’s fiery geological origins as well as the long history of human interaction with it, and draws vivid portraits of the Galapagos’ diverse life forms, capturing its awe-inspiring landscapes, its understated flora, its stunning wildlife and, crucially, the origin of new species. Finally, he considers the immense challenges facing the islands and what lies ahead. Nicholls shows that what happens in the Galapagos is not merely an isolated concern, but reflects the future of our species’ relationship with nature - and the fate of our planet.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2014 Henry Nicholls (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Thought-Provoking

This is a most interesting book about the Galapagos Islands. Nicholls describes the history, geology, sea birds, plants, invertebrates, land birds, reptiles and ocean life. I particularly enjoyed the section about the famous giant tortoise including Lonesome George. He also describes the sea turtles.

The UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee in 2006 warned the Island is at risk. The number of the visiting tourists having reached the tipping point for the conservation of the Islands. The area was being over fished. Nicholls states the Ecuador’s President, Rafael Correa, declared the preservation of the Island as a national priority.

The book is well written and concise. Nicholls provides enough information for an excellent overview of the Islands. From this information a reader can choose an area for further study.

The book is five hours thirty minutes. The book was published in 2014. James Adams does a great job narrating the book. His slight British accent is perfect for the book as it reminds me of the trip by Charles Darwin. Adams is an actor and audiobook narrator.

Fun, easy read to learn more about the islands before visiting!

This book was short, entertaining, and taught me so much about the geology, Wildlife, conservation and human factors to prepare for my trip.  I normally get bored with nonfiction, but the reader was so good for the audiobook that I felt very entertained!

Great overview for anyone planning a trip to Galapagos

This is an enjoyable and palatable overview of the history and natural attractions of Galapagos that will provide a strong context for greater appreciation and understanding for any planned visit. It is worth it just for the saga of the blue footed boobies!

Light on the natural history of plants

I expected a thorough description of the flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands. This book is a good environmental history, describing human research on and interaction with the archipelago, but it falls short of presenting the complete natural history of the major groups of organisms who live there.

Very little on plants, nothing on fungi or microorganisms. the emphasis is on terrestrial vertebrate animals. It's good but it might better be called "Humans and their interactions with the vertebrate animals of the Galapagos". The chapter on the geology is solid, and plants ARE mentioned, but it's just an incredibly incomplete natural history and my expectations have made it harder to appreciate the text.

I do recommend this book! Just be forewarned that it emphasizes birds and reptiles and mammals.

Very enjoyable

Any additional comments?

Ably written, concise overview of the natural history of the Galapagos islands. Listening to the audio book version I sometimes thought I was listening to Simon Winchester. John Adams' voice is very reminiscent of the voice of Simon Winchester. The clear prose style also does resemble Winschester's prose. So I was lured in under false pretenses, but it was definitely worth the listen, I enjoyed every minute of it.