Caribbean Books

Collaborative compiled and edited by the team of Corinne L. Hofman, Menno L.P. Hoogland, and Annelou L. van Gijn, Crossing the Borders: New Methods and Techniques in the Study of Archaeological Materials from the Caribbean is an anthology of essays by a diverse array of global experts concerning the latest methodologies and techniques applied to the study of archaeological materials from the Caribbean. Individual studies discuss the advantages and disadvantages of specific, newly created techniques, and each new approach is exemplified with a case study. A straightforward narrative historical background of the study of Caribbean archaeological materials is also provided, for quick and easy reference. An index enhances this extensively researched, in-depth, up-to-date guide, enthusiastically recommended for Caribbean studies and college library shelves.

Perhaps it is Phipps' virtues as a painter that invigorate these poems with so much lush color and gorgeous visual detail. Her poems are also full of music--her Caribbean lullabies and fierce stories. CROSSROADS AND UNHOLY WATER is an amazing and mature debut!

Can't imagine sailing in Belize without this resource! It's really the only one out there. That said, one must rely on their own navigation skills along with the advice in this book--things change every year... Great book!

The "Cruising Guide To Cuba" covers in great detail in a first person narrative the entire coast and all of the coastal cities, ports, and harbors, i.e., about ninety percent of what is worth seeing in Cuba. Written as a first person memoir, the book is extremely readable as a novel, with local customs and situations described extensively to place the reader in Cuba, at the docks, talking with the friendly Customs guards and mechanics. Having been to Havana many times, I find the character of the country better captured in this book than in any travel guide or any other book about Cuba, including "Our Man in Havana". With humor, fairness, and keen insight into the truly comfortable Latin American way of doing things such as living intelligently with spontaneity and vitality, Charles goes farther than anyone to rectify the embedded Yanqui mistrust of Cuba by describing actual experiences which let the reader know that the embargo against that counrty has resulted in a great loss to our people: knowledge and understanding of one of the most beautiful places, and most enlivening cultures on earth. This seems to be one of those classics like "Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" which some readers will dismiss as too narrow for their general interests. This book is as much about boats and cruising as that classic was about machinery: it is in there, but there is a wonderful, on-going essay about cultures, philosophy, and, without asking it directly, the one big question: who has lost the most in the ridiculous campaign of hatred against this proud, historically magnificent country, us or them? There are other cruising guides to Cuba which are dry and obviously format and budget driven. There are similar travel guides by the usual publishers for inland excursions. "The Cruising Guide To Cuba" stands out because it is obviously a labor of love, written by a man and his mate who have spent years in research and preparation; some seven months alone for the second edition just to circumnavigate the island one more time. Other authors write of Cuba as they would any other assignment, with predictable and often useful factual results, as if they are writing about a beautiful actress they saw on stage and later interviewed. This book goes far beyond the quick glance infatuation, as if the author went to the beautiful woman's house and lived with her intimately and came away with enduring respect and admiration. A sage exile architect I know listened to my account of feeling miserable for not having been to Havana in over a year. "Yes," he said, "it started as lust, but then it turned to sincere love, and you cannot forget her, can you? None of us can." Forget the leg shows and cigars; Cuba without those pop buzz topics is a direct shock to the heart, it will leave you wondering why we remain so poorly informed about one of the most relaxing and desirable places on earth. Charles' book brings that message across, with respect and admiration for what is actually there and what it is like to be there. In the same way that "The Old Man and The Sea" was not necessarily about fishing, this cruising guide is not necessarily just about boats and charts, although as just that, it is worth the price.

Having just spent 4 months cruising the Leeward and the Windward islands, I must say that I can't imagine doing so without Chris Doyle's cruising guides. They provide an amazing amount of detail on virtually every aspect of the islands; from anchorages to repairs to provisioning to customs. His maps and navigation sections prove invaluable.

The information in these guides are incredibly up to date considering the amount of change which is occurring in the islands. While Chris may be overly kind with his pen at times, you can always tell when he really likes or dislikes something. He is also very receptive to receiving corrections via e-mail.

All in all this is a must-have book for anyone thinking of cruising the Leewards.

Used this book extensively when we cruised the Caribbean and never had a reason to criticize any information. Entry and exit instructions were explict and correct. We did exactly as he recommended and had no problems. Direction for sailding from Cuba to Mexico were right on and tips about sailing down the Mexican coast were helpful. Belize info was great as was the info about Guatemala!

This guide is another superb resource for cruising sailors from Chris Doyle. Thirty five years of living on a boat while collecting and updating information about sailing in the eastern Caribbean have honed Doyle's ability to include essential details about everything a cruising sailor might want or need.

In this guide for Trinidad, Tobago and Barbados, the combination of detailed charts as well as aerial photos with navigational overlays provides a clear picture of how to get in and out of every harbor safely. For each port there is a wealth of information on the nearest supplies and services for repairs and replacements of the zillion things that might go awry or get dropped overboard when living and traveling on a boat.

Doyle's affection for both the islanders and their environment is reflected in his enthusiastic descriptions of the many places and (and proprietors) to visit while on shore. In addition to details about how to get to and from grocery stores, restaurants, laundry facilities, etc., there are many descriptions of wonderful places to explore on foot or by dinghy. This is particularly helpful in these islands where one needs ideas on where to begin to see the amazing wealth of natural wildlife.

Best of all, the guide is well-written, easy to follow and fun to read.

I can not believe that John and Pat Rains could beat theinformation in all of there other guide books but here it is. I justfinished the 1999 book and have been cruising in many of the areas they cover over the last three years. I sure wish I would have had this book. The informaiton that is between the covers is local knowledge and inside information that would have taken me forever to find out on my own. One of the greatest improvements over previous copies of the older versions 1,2,& 3, (this is 4) is humor. Yes John and Pat even have found humor after what must be one million miles on the high seas. I can recommend this as "essential" safety gear for any boater, power or sail, cruising in the grounds that that are covered, and that is a lot of ground. If you are going to Baja, Mexico, Central America or making the big canal trip you better have this next to the nav table. Truely a life jacket for every cruiser and great entertainment for the arm chair captains of the world. I never have recommended any book so highly to all of my fellow masters out on the high seas. Capt. Steve Olsen, a twenty five year master mariner currently cruising in Honduras.

Cruising The Caribbean appears in its third updated and expanded edition, and comprehensively provides the traveler with a highly recommended guide to the ports of call available throughout the Caribbean. Most cruise passengers only receive a limited amount of hours ashore at each port: Cruising The Caribbean will prove an essential advance planning guide to all the options before you dock.

Frigate bird is a great example of how one can live off the land in style. The book is filled with great stories. Just reading it made me feel like I was on a vacation. It left me envious of the author. I wish I had the nerve to live on an island with nothing but $14.00, a jar of horseradish, and the barter system. This book is pure entertainment! It sends a message regarding our need to preserve the environment.