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The White Island: Two Thousand Years of Pleasure in Ibiza
Full of legend and myth, the history of the Spanish island of Ibiza is the story of invasions and migrations. Today it is a haven for the persecuted and home to the hedonists who gather to revel in long, golden summers.
329 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 6, 2022
Those interested in digging deeper can find a fascinating review of this book written by Ibiza-based writer Martin Davies here.
June 26, 2023
Basic history of the island. Some really interesting information told in a really fun way. Great to read on a holiday here so you can picture the info.
January 27, 2014
Brilliant book on why there is nowhere like Ibiza
July 31, 2022
Published in 2005, most is still relevant as so much about the Ibizan history and people I never knew about. This book reveals the many layers of history of invasions, trade, salt and sand! And there is a lot of history as invaders were numerous: Phoenician, Assyrian, Carthage, Roman, Vandal, Byzantine, Moors, Norwegian crusader and king, Sigurd I, Aragonese King James I, King Philip V, and then Democracy with the Balearic Autonomous Community.
Learning about the local people, the development of the tourist industry and the attempts to protect the environment were all fascinating. But few places have had so many famous residents and visitors. There are too many names to mention. There were beatniks and hippies, party maniacs, royalty & criminals and all mixed and lived in extreme tolerance.
The Spanish Civil war had an enormous and deadly impact, Franco tried to eradicate the Catalan Ibicenco language and culture. Franco realised tourism could revitalise Spain's economy and Ibiza became a leading destination. The impact on the island has been revolutionary both in terms of economics but also social & environmental impact.
A small sampling of the rich & famous vacations there annually and many own homes there: Errol Flynn Elizabeth Taylor Ursula Andress, Maggie Smith, Denholm Elliot, Diana Rigg, Terry Thomas, Laurie Olivier, Shakira, Naomi Campbell, Paris Hilton, Gerard Pique, Jade Jagger, Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender, James Blunt and countless DJ's., Joni Mitchell, Lionel Messi owns a hotel there.
It is so much more than a party island and I hope to visit soon!
Learning about the local people, the development of the tourist industry and the attempts to protect the environment were all fascinating. But few places have had so many famous residents and visitors. There are too many names to mention. There were beatniks and hippies, party maniacs, royalty & criminals and all mixed and lived in extreme tolerance.
The Spanish Civil war had an enormous and deadly impact, Franco tried to eradicate the Catalan Ibicenco language and culture. Franco realised tourism could revitalise Spain's economy and Ibiza became a leading destination. The impact on the island has been revolutionary both in terms of economics but also social & environmental impact.
A small sampling of the rich & famous vacations there annually and many own homes there: Errol Flynn Elizabeth Taylor Ursula Andress, Maggie Smith, Denholm Elliot, Diana Rigg, Terry Thomas, Laurie Olivier, Shakira, Naomi Campbell, Paris Hilton, Gerard Pique, Jade Jagger, Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender, James Blunt and countless DJ's., Joni Mitchell, Lionel Messi owns a hotel there.
It is so much more than a party island and I hope to visit soon!
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May 10, 2022Poorly researched for a non fiction book, bordering on libelous. It is important to write this review. The information is incorrect for a non fiction book. He writes about my father Stephen Seley and me. I am my father's only child. He writes about me meeting my father for the first time after Saint Patrick's day,which is completely wrong. He gives me the name Rebecca, my name is Bridget. He writes about a situation that never took place,and portrays in a disparaging way. I have contacted him and the publisher about this,and did receive an apology, and was told if ever goes into reprint,the right information would be added. There is also Incorrect information about my grandpa Simon Seley.It is very hurtful there is much misinformation about me and my father. Bridget Seley Galway
April 1, 2018
Excellent read
Satisfying mix of history, politics, music and cultural history of a very unique island. Having travelled to Ibiza on many occasions this book is a must read for anyone who loves the place.
Satisfying mix of history, politics, music and cultural history of a very unique island. Having travelled to Ibiza on many occasions this book is a must read for anyone who loves the place.
February 23, 2021
Thorough insight into the Ibiza behind the brochures.
I found the history of Catalan Vs Castilian residents of the island really fascinating.
You can't see Ibiza the same way again after reading this!
I found the history of Catalan Vs Castilian residents of the island really fascinating.
You can't see Ibiza the same way again after reading this!
April 19, 2022
My full review can be read by combining ibizahistoryculture and armstrong in any search engine.
September 5, 2023
Interesting, lively, engaging. This set my visit to Ibiza in well-told historical, spiritual and cultural context.
July 27, 2010
Thanks again Princes Martha for giving me this surprisingly enjoyable and informative book. I had never heard of the island of Ibiza, off the southern Mediterranean coast of Spain, much less knew any of it's history as an outpost of the Mesopotamian, Cartehenian, Roman, French and Spanish empires. But there is something more going on in Ibiza that has insured its' place through the ages as a place of tolerance and barely masked hedonism. This is a wonderful tale of history with fascinating stories of the characters and movements that have inhabited this beautiful island. Told well. Great summer read.
"Perhaps, if mass tourism has a purpose, it is this: to let nations sis side by side on beaches without trying to kill one another."
"Perhaps, if mass tourism has a purpose, it is this: to let nations sis side by side on beaches without trying to kill one another."
April 29, 2012
Great read it paints a fantastic picture of old and modern Ibiza .
Makes me want to pack my bags and live on a beach
Makes me want to pack my bags and live on a beach
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews