Encyclopaedic in its coverage of all things Caribbean, this book acts as a reference work. It deals mainly with people - the politicians, activists, writers, poets, artists, sportsmen and musicians - who have helped to shape the character of the Caribbean countries and it deals with places - not only describing the land masses and towns, but also the reefs, depths, channels and currents of the Caribbean sea. Native plants and animals are also included as are the legends and heroes of West Indian folklore.