If a hole could be dug from London straight down through the centre of the earth, one would eventually emerge close to the small, remote, Antipodes Islands in the New Zealand Subantarctic region.
In Straight through from London, author Rowley Taylor vividly details the history and natural history of the Antipodes and their tiny neighbours - the Bounty Islands.
In the two hundred years since their discovery, the islands have suffered the annihilation of their fur seal populations - and seen several shipwrecks, the establishment of castaway depots, regular patrols by Government steamers, attempts to promote pastoral farming, and visits by scientific and tourist expeditions.
Today, with their undisturbed vegetation and a flourishing wildlife, the islands are truly unique, and totally protected as National Nature Reserves on the World Heritage List. This book is the culmination of years of field work and international research by distinguished ecologist, Rowley Taylor. A valuable addition to any library, this book is essential reading for those interested in New Zealand's natural or maritime history