Tristan da Cunha: The Way Tristanians Tell It

By J. Brock (SARTMA)

Daniel Schreier and Karen Lavarello-Schreier have written an informative book about Tristan da Cunha, its people, way of life and language. Entitled "Tristan da Cunha: History, People, language," it has a forward by James Glass, the former Chief Islander and preface and acknowledgements by the authors. What makes this book unique is that it has an Islander as a co-author. Normally, outsiders, who have a keen interest and knowledge of the Island, author books about Tristan da Cunha.

This well-written book, published by Battlebridge Publications, details briefly a concise history of the Island from its discovery in 1506 by the Portuguese navigator, Tristao da Cunha, to its modern day events, including the 21 May 2001 hurricane that devastated the Island. Many black and white photos depict the Tristan of today, its people and life, as well as leisure activities. Newer photos show the damage the 2001 hurricane did to the Island’s infrastructure.

A Tristan Glossary completely details the Island’s unique interpretation of English and traces its words and phrases back to the original countries or origin. Afrikaans, Americanisms, dialectal English and uniquely Tristanian words are explained in the glossary.