Arnold explains how archeologists and other scientists have pieced together a history of Easter Island by studying its natural resources, listening to Polynesian legends, and examining the familiar statues. Full color.

Reviews

Gr 3-6-Arnold provides a clear and concise look at the island and the many mysteries that surround it, detailing its early settlement, its people and resources, and the rise and fall of its rich and complex civilization. One of the most intriguing questions that remains unanswered is how the ancient Rapanui people carved and erected hundreds of giant stone statues found all over the island. The author carefully explains how scientists have theorized on the early history and how the decimation over time of the island's natural resources and its isolation from trade routes may have led to its decline in population. The book concludes with a quick look at the tourism that is renewing pride in the unique heritage of the few hundred remaining Rapanui people, as the island becomes a model open-air museum. A map is included but it does not begin to convey the remoteness of the area, which is better described by Arnold's text. Several of the full-page color photographs are breathtaking, while smaller pictures illustrate specific points from the text. The glossary includes phonetic pronunciations of Rapanui words and a list of resources includes the Easter Island Web site (which offers more details on the language, music, art, and culture of the island).-Jeanette Larson, Texas State Library, Austin Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.