Britain's big strength is that it is an island nation. However, we often forget that it boasts hundreds of smaller islands off its shores, each with a distinct character of its own. This book concentrates on the islands of England and Wales showing a mixture of contemporary photographs and archive material to capture the unique atmosphere of each island. Highlights include: Steep Holm - wonderfully preserved World War 2 timewarp in the Bristol Channel. Flat Holm - Welsh island with cholera hospital and amazing fortifications. Lundy - pirate's haven that issues its own stamps Scillies - Britain's own Hawaii. Five/six inhabited islands with their own stories to tell. St Michael's Mount - tidal survivor of the mythical lost land of Lyonesse, with a working railway. Looe Island - subject of the book We Bought An Island. Burgh island - tidal with the world's only sea tractor and fantastic art deco hotel with Agatha Christie connections Brownsea Island - inside Poole Harbour, famous for red squirrels and the boy scout movement. Hayling Island - Hayling Billy train, seaside resort Goodwin Sands - sunken island in the Channel, Britain's biggest graveyard for boats Eel Pie Island in Thames - famous sixties hangout Foulness Island - secret MoD base, and other Essex marshes islands Mersea Island - sailing haven and holiday resort Sealand - military platform off Essex, claims to be a separate country Read's Island - Lincolnshire Humber Spurn Head - not an island, but has been at times, and may be so again Farne Islands - famous for Grace Darling connections Lindisfarne - Holy Island Hilbre Islands - fascinating inhabited set of islands off the west coast of The Wirral Anglesey/Holy Island - last stand of the Druids Bardsey Island - site of medieval monastery Ramsey Island - off Pembrokeshire Barry Island and Sully Island - famous steam graveyard Characterful, quirky with distinct and peculiar charms, these and many other British islands are covered in affectionate detail, accompanied by some breathtaking photography.