An informed, engrossing account of how a society in isolation, self-sufficient and self-sustaining, gradually succumbed to the encroachment of modernity. St. Kilda was evacuated in 1932. The islanders declined through emigration, declining trade in goods that were no longer in demand, increasing dependence on the external world and insufficient population to maintain the culture.

The history of the island is a repeat of the cycle of change that all cultures experience: adaption to the environment, a cultural flowering and then, the inevitable decline in the face of new external factors.

Fascinating account of remote island culture theratened and ultimately destroyed through outside contact with other well-meaning cultures. A sea-bird based lifestyle. Interesting detail of sod dwellings and detail of the sea bird hunting skills of the people. A Favorite. At ( )

Fascinating look at this tiny island and its isolated community. Also an interesting study of the way societies react to change from without and how larger societies seek to influence smaller ones. ( )