"What unfolds might be thought of as the maritime version of the frontier saga, complete with heroes and foolishness, heartbreak and hard work. . . the appeal of these selections should reach far beyond those who already have ties to the Maine islands."
—Island Journal

"While active, salty sailors will find the volume edifying, something to read aloud to their passengers and mates, armchair sailors will find it equally enjoyable for its page-turning tales and vivid local history."
—Down East

The McLanes have delved into a wealth of primary sources, using old tax assessments, court records, and early maps, to spin their tales of the early settlers of Maine's islands and their descendants. Here is history as it too seldom is in textbooks: colorful, human, downright irresistible. Each volume is replete with rare vintage photos and dozens of maps and will delight all who love islands, or simply a good read.

Charles McLane was a professor emeritus of government at Dartmouth College and wrote several books on Sino/Soviet relations. His late wife Carol collaborated closely with him on the Islands series, and in raising six children. The McLanes were longtime summer residents of Brooklin, Maine.