Discusses the tragic consequences of the voyage of the HMS "Bounty" in 1790, when 15 men and 12 women intentionally marooned themselves on a small island to create a perfect society. Looks at the role of the women in the community, analyzes the role of conflicts over property, gender, and race in the destruction of the group, and discusses modern-day implications of the group's progressive laws relating to sexual equality and the environment. Includes b&w illustrations. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.