From Anegada to Jost Van Dyke, the British Virgin Islands are full of stories and secrets. Anegada has its tales of shipwrecks, stories of pirates and lost treasure on Norman Island and Dead Chest Cay, and Marina Cay inspired a book and a film. This rich history and folklore have imbued the islands with their special charm and inspired local writers to share their folklore and culture with the rest of the world.

New Books

In addition to the classic writers (see list on right), new ones are appearing:

The Conservation and Fisheries Department recently published The Marine Guide, which is dedicated to future generations of British Virgin Islanders and introduces the general public to the fragility of the Territory’s marine ecosystem. It covers all marine conservation laws, regulations and best management practices, and includes sections on marine habitats of the BVI, describing coral reefs and dive locations; marine species, including fisheries, marine mammals, sea turtles and sea birds; and provisioning for the ecofriendly boat.

Virgin Gorda: A Special Gem Among the BVIs’ Many Jewels was published in the winter of 2007. The story of the island is told through the words and photos of its residents. Familiar faces like Ralph, Eris and Waldo O’Neal; Grace Flax Walters; and Elihue Rymer, along with those of younger ones, tell their own stories in the winks, smiles and wrinkles that add so much character to the pages.

Classic Works

• Ivan Dawson. A Brief Outline of a Humble Life
• Issac Dookhan. A History of the British Virgin Islands, 1672 to 1970
• Norwell Harrigan and Pearl Varlack. The British Virgin Islands: A Chronology and Virgin Islands Story
• C.F. Jenkins. A Quaker Experiment in the Far Away Tropics
• Florence Lewisohn. Tales of Tortola and the British Virgin Islands
• Giorgio Migliavacca. The Specialized Stamp Catalogue of the British Virgin Islands
• Verna Penn Moll. Virgin Islands and Johnny-cake Country
• Ndigo Naka. Portraits of Island Life
• Eugenia O’Neal. From the Field to the Legislature: A History of Women on the Virgin Islands
• J.R. O’Neal. Life Notes
• H.R. Penn. Memoirs of H.R. Penn: A Personal Account of the History of the British Virgin Islands
• Verna Penn, Ed. East End Methodist Church: 175th Anniversary Booklet
• Vernon Pickering. Early History of the British Virgin Islands
• Lucille Skelton. The Missing Motive
• Hugo F. Vanterpool. Dusk to Dawn: Herald of the Virgin Islands
• Jennie N. Wheatley. Pass It On!: A Treasury of Virgin Islands Tales

Take me shopping in the BVI.