Island Fever

Britain’s big strength is that it is an island nation. However, we often forget that it boasts hundreds of smaller islands off its shores, each with a distinct character of its own. This book concentrates on the islands of England and Wales showing a mixture of contemporary photographs and archive material to capture the unique atmosphere of each island. Highlights include Steep Holm—a wonderfully preserved World War 2 time warp in the Bristol Channel; Flat Holm—a Welsh island with a cholera hospital and amazing fortifications; Lundy—a pirate haven that issues its own stamps; and Scillies—Britain’s own Hawaii. Also included are St Michael’s Mount—a tidal survivor of the mythical lost land of Lyonesse, with a working railway; Looe Island—subject of the book We Bought an Island; and Burgh island—a tidal with the world’s only sea tractor and a fantastic art deco hotel with Agatha Christie connections.