Atlantic Islands

Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Orkney, Shetland and, to some extent, the Hebrides, share both a Nordic cultural and linguistic heritage, and the experience of being surrounded by the ever-present North Atlantic Ocean. This has been a constant in the islanders’ history, forging their unique way of life, influencing their customs and traditions, and has been instrumental in moulding their identities. This volume is an exploration of a rich, intimate and, at times, terrifying relationship. It is the result of an international conference held in April 2014, when scholars from across the North Atlantic rim congregated in Lerwick, Shetland, to discuss maritime traditions, islands in Old Norse literature, insular archaeology, folklore, and traditional belief. The chapters reflect the varied origins of the contributors. Icelanders are well represented, as are scholars based in Orkney and Shetland, indicating the strength of scholarship in these seemingly isolated archipelagos. Peripheral they may be to the UK, but they lie at the heart of the North Atlantic, at the intersection of British and Nordic cultures. This book will be of interest to scholars of a wide range of disciplines, such as those involved in island studies, cultural studies, Old Norse literature, Icelandic studies, maritime heritage, oceanography, linguistics, folklore, British studies, ethnology, and archaeology. Similarly, it will also appeal to researchers from a wide geographical area, particularly the UK, and Scandinavia, and indeed anywhere where there is an interest in the study of islands or the North Atlantic.

This is the first comprehensive field guide dealing exclusively with the birds of this spectacular region. Birds of the Atlantic Islands covers all resident, migrant and vagrant species found in Macaronesia which comprises the Canary Islands, Madeira, Azores and Cape Verde. Over 450 resident, migrant and vagrant species are illustrated with full details of all the plumages and major races likely to be encountered. Species accounts are accompanied with concise text outlining bird identification, status, range, distribution and voice. This authoritative book will not only be an indispensable guide to the visiting birder, but also a vital tool for those engaged in work to conserve and study the avifauna of this region. The Atlantic Islands shelter a remarkable diversity of birds, many seriously endangered with small and vulnerable ranges. It further covers the climate, geography and ornithological history of these incredible islands, as well as practical guidance on the best birdwatching areas.

In a series of investigations Donald Johnson draws on his seafaring skill to plot the voyages of early mariners and discover where they were when they saw the fabled lands, and why they remember them as awesome, fearful places.'

Atlantic Islands is a long-established cruising guide to the five island groups of the North Atlantic, commonly visited by those sailing the popular Atlantic crossing routes but increasingly enjoyed as cruising destinations in their own right. From the sun-baked lagoons of Bemuda to the verdant slopes of the Azores and Madeira, from the fiery landscapes of the Canaries to the less visited coastlines of the Cape Verdes, this seventh edition has thoroughly updated text and plans and is illustrated with numerous new photographs. Co-authors of the sixth edition, Anne Hammick and Hilary Keatinge, have been joined by Linda Lane Thornton who lives on and cruises in the Azores. Together they enrich the coverage overall with their first-hand knowledge of each of the island groups. An essential companion for those planning a cruise any of the North Atlantic island groups, even more so for anyone planning an Atlantic crossing or circuit. The seventh edition of Atlantic Islands builds on solid foundations…The co-authors know their group of islands inside-out and it shows in the depth of content and recommendations within the guide…..If you are planning on crossing the Atlantic and don’t yet have a copy, then this new seventh edition should be on your pre-departure shopping list. “It is difficult to fault this pilot. It is clearly and consistently laid out- the navigational directions are concise and accurate, the Introductions and History of each archipelago and each island are interesting and whet one’s appetite for exploration. It is an excellent, informative and enjoyable companion for any Atlantic cruising sailor.” Flying Fish Magazine (Ocean Cruising Club)