First explored by Ferdinand Magellan in 1509 and situated at the crossroads of the lucrative trade in nutmeg, clove, mace, ginger and cinnamon for centuries, the Moluccas of Eastern Indonesia have had a long and complex history. Both a lively anecdotal history and personal travelogue, this excellent book explores the Age of Exploration and the struggles between Holland and England over these captivating islands. Most of the action takes place among the Banda Islands, southernmost of the Moluccas.  (INS70, $16.00)

Indonesia