Floating Islands: A Global Bibliography

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• Author Bio

This book is a unique treasury of information about one of nature's marvels: floating islands. The bibliography contains more than 1800 citations of books and articles in twenty languages on the subject; the entries are annotated and cross-referenced, and there are both thematic and geographic indices. All aspects of floating islands are addressed, including the formation of floating islands, the causes of their buoyancy, their role in the ecology of lakes and wetlands, their flora and fauna, their role in the dispersal of plants and animals, and methods for controlling and managing them. Works are also cited on artificial floating islands used for agriculture, human habitation, wildlife habitat, and improvement of water quality; and floating islands in literature, myth, and legend. The book includes the text and an English translation, with detailed notes, of G. C. Munz's rare 1711 thesis on floating islands, as well as photographs of several floating islands.

Praise for Floating Islands:

"It is exhilarating to find such a scholarly work.... C. Van Duzer has not only provided a masterful treatment of this subject but insights into these fascinating natural formations. Without question, this work is unequivocally choice!" --Robert G. Wetzel, Kenan Distinguished Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of North Carolina

"The author can only be admired for the depth and breadth of his scholarship in compiling this unique book. It is both a labour of love and a definitive resource."
--Professor Russell King, Sussex Centre for Migration Research, University of Sussex

"The exhaustive and erudite nature of this reference text makes it a valuable contribution towards our understanding of a fascinating, albeit largely obscure, natural phenomenon.... It is of interest to habitat specialists, agronomists, environment stewards, wetland researchers and island scholars generally. The one relevant detail I have missed is a reflexive research note on methodology that would have explained how the author went about his, truly awesome, academic quest."
--Professor Godfrey Baldacchino, Canada Research Chair in Island Studies, University of Prince Edward Island, Canada

"Once I opened [the book] to see what I had to review, I could not put it down....This bibliography is an amazing, in-depth, thorough piece of research.... Every environmental-related institute should acquire a copy, not only as an invaluable reference book but also as an example to all up-and-coming scientists."
--Rene Glen, KwaZulu-Natal Herbarium, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Durban, South Africa