Galápagos

If you've visited the Galápagos Islands, you've probably fallen in love with them. That's what happened to Josef Litt, who grew up in Cold War-era Czechoslovakia, moved to the United Kingdom and fell in love with underwater photography. He not only fell under the spell of the Galápagos, he has produced a comprehensive guide to the archipelago.

With more than 280 lushly illustrated pages, Galápagos covers the island's history and unique wildlife. It's a definitive guide to the islands that has captured high praise from Tui de Roy, world-renowned photographer, author and conservationist based in the Galápagos, who says, "I found the writing crisp, clear and jam-packed with intriguing theories, eye-opening facts, and attractive illustrations."

Litt's book offers over 300 pictures with detailed descriptions of species unique to the islands. Most people either visit to see the terrestrial life or take a scuba diving trip, while some do both, one after the other. If you are interested in diving with more than the marine iguanas, rosy-lipped batfish, penguins and sea lions, my own review of diving in the Galápagos can be summed up in two words: Darwin and Wolf, two islands 150 miles north of the main group. With the confluence of three ocean currents, the water can be chilly, the seas rough and the currents extremely strong. However, pelagic life is prolific. Not for the faint-hearted diver, but it's an experience few should miss. And I'll say the same for Litt's book. Whether you've visited or want to visit, Galápagos will make you fall in love with the place.

The paperback book retails for $40 on Amazon, of which we're an affiliate, so buy the book at www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/132099931X/undercutheconsum -- we get a small percentage that way, while you still pay the same price.

-- John Bantin