A brilliant, insightful writer born in Trinidad, Naipaul is well prepared to discuss the fascinating cultural mix of the region. Modeled after the travelogues of the 19th century writer Anthony Trollope, the book is part character sketch, part commentary and part travels. It's a classic. With chapters on Trinidad, British Guiana (Guyana), Surinam, Martinique and Jamaica.  (CRB11, $14.95)