‘Captive Islands’ – an odyssey in the Colonial Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
A fascinating story of exploration and adventure at the turn of the nineteenth century – you can’t put it down! – Chris Bonington CVO, CBE, DL
Hardback book – 140 photographs/illustrations
First published 2019
For centuries, the sole occupants of the Andamans lived in isolation, a primitive pygmy race with a culture in the Stone Age. To the south are the Nicobar Islands, home to the Nicobarese.
Max Bonington arrived at Port Blair as shipwright and harbour-master (1897). Not a place for the faint-hearted – lethal tribes, escaping convicts, working elephants in remote forest camps, barely-known islands and people – encounters that tell the story of these islands during their era of British control.
forest camp 1920 in the Nicobars 1920 water taxi – Ross Island 2016
Reviews:
Captivated by the Islands – It’s gripping reading for many reasons. When I consider their ages and the responsibilities they undertook, modern life seems a doddle and has no serious demands, perhaps this is why we make mountains out of molehills.
The illustrations hold the interest along with the developing narrative demanding that you do not put the book down! – S.B. Essex – 2019
– a brilliant journey through the life of Max and Charles Bonington on these islands – a fascinating, gripping and respectful window into the ebb and flow of their time. AR – London 2019
Other website at www.bonington.com