The Caribbean: Essence of the Islands

This pricey collection of 171 color photographs depicts views of the Caribbean islands of Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Croix and St. John, Curacao, St. Martin/St. Maarten and Martinique. Smith's ( Designing a Photograph ) pictures are mainly touristy snaps; the text reads like a travel agency brochure gushing praise of friendly people, beautiful beaches and the like, often lapsing into noninformation: ``Yachts and other boats, either at anchor or leisurely crossing the sea to another island, are common sights in the U.S. Virgin Islands.'' (Nov.)