Synopsis
A British travel writer unlocks the magic of North Carolina's Outer Banks with his keen observations of their natural splendor and a genuine appreciation of the folks who live there.
Library Journal
Englishman, author, and New Yorker staff writer Bailey has written a classic travel book: he has lived with the people, observed carefully, entered their way of life, yet preserved his own awareness. He presents this ambience with little personal judgment, but considerable cultural and historical context. He visited the Banks just before, during, and after hurricane Gloria in 1985. He spoke to natives and visitors, developers and Park Service staff. A solitary traveler open to the suggestions of those he meets, he ``flings himself boldly into encounters with strangers'' and seems to have absorbed the 400 years of Banks history and nature as they have intermingled. He must be wonderful company: he certainly is a fine writer. Highly recommended to anyone who has visited or may wish to visit the Outer Banks.-- Roland Person, Southern Illinois Univ. Lib., Carbondale