ANNOTATION

Describes the geography, history, government, economy, social life and customs, religion, culture, and more of this island country in the Indian Ocean. Includes a recipe for milk toffee.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Carolyn Mott Ford

This beautiful, colorful, country is a tiny island in the Indian Ocean and one of the most intriguing facts offered in this book is that the old name for the country was Serendip. English author Horace Walpole was thus inspired to coin the word "serendipity" and also to write a story about three princes who keep making accidental discoveries as they travel. The Sri Lankans have a troubled political past and still experience problems with radical rebel parties, yet they have a democratic tradition and a high voter turnout. This book, part of the "Cultures of the World" series, offers an overall look at the country, including chapters detailing the geography, history, economy and environment. The people, their lifestyle, religion and food are also covered. The "Festivals" chapter gives a sense of the diverse population, as there are Hindu, Christian and Muslim festivals. Several ethnic recipes appear in the back of the book, along with maps, a timeline, pertinent facts and resources for further study. 2002 (orig. 1990), Benchmark Books/Marshall Cavendish,

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