A lively, compact natural history of the islands and their role in evolutionary thought by a favorite author. Kricher (A Neotropical Companion) includes an island-by-island synopsis and a survey of recent conservation efforts in his wide-ranging overview. With chapters on human history, geology, setting, Darwin, tortoises, reptiles, birds, and sea creatures. In a clear tribute to Charles Robert Darwin, he takes his chapter titles from comments by Darwin scattered throughout the Galapagos section of Voyage of the Beagle. With 50 color photographs, 27 black-and-white, and illustrations.  (GPS57, $19.95)