Far-reaching political changes in South Africa have re-ignited much interest in Robben Island, particularly as the South African President, Nelson Mandela, was imprisoned there for so long. This is an informative guide to one of the most controversial places in the country. Besides covering its political history, the book also discusses Robben Island as a key naval and military base during World War II, its environment, flora and fauna, the Xhosa chiefs interred on the island in the 19th century, the lives of the Robben warders, its shipwrecks, escapes and many tourist attractions.