It is an anthology contains over 20 articles written by historian, archeolog, naturalist, culture expert, artist, and even some diary by the notable person that witnessed the historic event of the islands. You are not only see the history of the islands, but also the whole nation history depicted on each of paragraphs: from the origins of Indonesian people, spice trades with other nations, Europeans arrival and their competition to dominate the nutmeg trades, massacre & slavery, exile place for some of national figure, Japanese occupation, conflict between religions in 1999, until the current situation of the islands. It's a shame that for the majority of Indonesian didn't learn this kind of details in the school. We know when the Europe came and who is Jan Pieterszoon Coen. But how massive the impact what they do here, we have no idea. I just learned from the book that the fact British exchanged the Rhun Island in Banda for Manhattan to the Dutch, which is the beginning of VOC monopoly, colonialism, and inhumane slavery in Indonesia. Not only the historical point of view, you can also find culture and nature perspective. It's interesting that you can find the beauty of the islands scenery, the heavenly nutmeg fruit, and their fauna shown in the folklore, the contemporary arts, and great quality photography from some exploration spreaded evenly inside the book. Highly recommended to read for the one who want to know the truly history of Nusantara on the frame of small yet very rich islands of Banda.