St Kitts

Book excerpt: St Kitts, or Saint Christopher to give its full name, was first recorded in 1493 during the second voyage of Columbus to the Caribbean. As one of the Leeward Islands it has a delightful year-round climate with impressive mountains, a lush countryside, and some excellent sun-drenched beaches. The island also has an interesting history but perhaps its greatest asset is an unspoilt charm and serenity. In this indispensable and comprehensive guide the author, as well as providing plenty of practical information, introduces the reader to the many attractions of this beautiful island, where to go and what to see; and in addition provides a background of the geography, history, natural history, people and culture. Brian Dyde's association with St Kitts began in 1973 while in the Royal Navy carrying out work for the production of new charts of the Leeward Islands. This is his third book in the Island Guide series, and is illustrated by some of his own photographs. Between 1987 and 1995 he and his wife, who is an Antiguan, lived in Montserrat but were forced to leave because of the volcanic activity and they now live in Wales Book jacket.