Antigua and Barbuda are small islands in the Eastern Caribbean, 27 miles apart but with one government. Populated by Amerindians at the time Columbus sailed to the "New World," they were not settled by Europeans until the Earl of Carlyle claimed them for England in 1625. Although independence was granted in 1981, evidence of British colonial influence can be spotted everywhere.In addition to having a rich history, illuminated by resident Desmond Nicholson's historical essay, Antigua is well known as the yachting and charter center of the Caribbean. One can cruise around Antigua and Barbuda for two weeks without stopping at the same anchorage twice. Jill Bobrow and Dana Jinkins have been coming to these islands for the past twenty-five years. This book is their homage to them.