The Seychelles is an independent republic of 100 islands scattered around the western Indian Ocean and this book is an account of the French colonisation of these exotic islands. When Major Delaunay and his party of workers and slaves landed there in August 1770 the only inhabitants were crocodiles, giant tortoises and an abundance of birds. What happened to these creatures and to the settlers who tried to create in this Garden of Eden a new, rich source of spices for the world is the true stuff of history. pp. 355 Maps & illustrations #130116 Closed tear in dustjacket