MYSTERIES OF THE ISLANDS

Isolated islands have fascinated men for centuries. The experiences encountered by some explorers are gathered here, but somehow fall short of fascination. They are factual accounts whose endings are often vague and disturbing. Too little information is available to incur real understanding of these people or their adventures, but given what facts there are, Mr. De La Croix has written an interesting book. The hardships of endurance were common to all who sought out these islands whether to find peace, fortune or adventure, or who were forcibly cast away by man or nature. The Stoltenhoff brothers originally came to Tristan de Cunha for treasure. Gradually their goal became survival. When offered the opportunity of rescue for a second time, they accepted in a frenzy, burning and destroying everything behind them...The Ritters and the Wittners found long years of peace and contentment on Floreana, where the first couple lived like Adam and Eve...Joseph Kablis was about to suffer native sacrifice when he was offered membership in the tribe through marriage and lived to become its ruler...Other true Robinson Crusoe type stories fill the book designed for the 13 to 15 age level.