Domica

Basil E. Cracknell

Published by Davis & Charles, hardcover with dustjacket, illustrated, islands series

Dominica lies in the centre of the Lesser Antilles, on the eastern edge of the Caribbean Sea—one of a vast concourse of islands stretching 2,000 miles from east to west. For centuries it was one of the least developed and one of the most fought-over of all the islands in the area; and today it is the last remaining stronghold of the original Carib people.

history is a true microcosm of the Caribbean as a whole: the bitter struggles between the rival European nations, the Bark days of slavery and, more recently, the rise and fall of the sugar industry and the search for substitute crops, such as bananas and citrus fruits.

The mountains are impressively steep and high, the scenery volcanic and the rainfall in the interior one of the highest in the world. As a consequence, the virgin forest is marvellously luxuriant. The warm-hearted people have a strong sense of community and an unsophisticated attitude of life that makes them tolerant of widely varying customs and habits, particularly among visitors.

Basil Cracknell, first and foremost, catches the character of this beautiful place, enabling the reader to get a clear impression of the life as well as the topography. There are chapters on its geology, natural history (its flora is very rich) and agriculture. The historica' chapters, including the war against slavery, are particularly interesting.

In line with all the volumes in the Islands series, communications and tourism are described in some detail and the role of Dominica in the Caribbean today and its future will give the tourist foreknowledge of the place and understanding of the people that will enrich his visit. All in all, this is a fascinating book about a still unspoiled island that will delight the escapist from the modern world and island lovers in general.