Enchanted Isles: The Southern Gulf Islands.

Ann Turner is Financial and Budget Manager at the University of British
Columbia Library.

The islands of the archipelago between Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia are distinctive in many respects. Their climate, history, industries, and way of life are recognizably different from those of the surrounding land masses, and their residents cherish and celebrate the differences. Two long-time residents collaborated to produce this lovely coffee table book featuring stunningly beautiful colour photographs of island life and scenic views, all set in an engaging narrative that captures the essential character of each island. It covers the major islands between Newcastle (near Nanaimo) and D’Arcy (near Victoria), including Galiano, Mayne, Saturna, Pender, Salt Spring, and Gabriola, as well as some of the lesser known ones such as Thetis, Kuper, Piers, Wallace, and Portland. The area’s history, including First Nations and later settlement, is woven into descriptions of landmarks, industries, and local festivals, along with a liberal sprinkling of anecdotes about past and present residents. As a tourist’s introduction to the southern Gulf Islands, a souvenir of a visit there, an armchair voyage of exploration, or simply an album of outstanding photography, this is a volume to savour.