Jan J. Boersema is Professor of Principles of Environmental Sciences at Leiden University. He is editor-in-chief of the Journal of Integrated Environmental Sciences and editor of the textbook Principles of Environmental Sciences (2009, with Lucas Reijnders). Diane Webb has translated numerous books and scholarly articles on historical and art-historical subjects. She was a member of the team that translated Vincent van Gogh: The Letters. In 2005 she was awarded the Vondel Prize for Dutch Translation.

'Jan J. Boersema's study demonstrates once more the 'collapse of the Easter Island society', commonly advocated by Jared Diamond, to be a myth based on shaky scientific ground. To the contrary, the Rapa Nui people adapted to the challenges of isolation in a marginal environment with remarkable resilience. This book, written for a large audience, is a must-read for everyone interested in the fascinating Isla de Pascua.' Morgan De Dapper, Past President, Royal Academy for Overseas Sciences, Belgium

• 1. Easter Island as an icon; 2. From the east or the west?; 3. The green past; 4. Culture appears, nature disappears; 5. Makemake, moai, and the tangata manu; 6. Resilience and sustainability; 7. Foreigners; 8. Christianization, sheep breeding, and research; 9. The earth and Easter Island: doom and destiny.

Jan J. Boersema is Professor of Principles of Environmental Sciences at Leiden University. He is editor-in-chief of the Journal of Integrated Environmental Sciences and editor of the textbook Principles of Environmental Sciences (2009, with Lucas Reijnders). Diane Webb has translated numerous books and scholarly articles on historical and art-historical subjects. She was a member of the team that translated Vincent van Gogh: The Letters. In 2005 she was awarded the Vondel Prize for Dutch Translation.

'Jan J. Boersema's study demonstrates once more the 'collapse of the Easter Island society', commonly advocated by Jared Diamond, to be a myth based on shaky scientific ground. To the contrary, the Rapa Nui people adapted to the challenges of isolation in a marginal environment with remarkable resilience. This book, written for a large audience, is a must-read for everyone interested in the fascinating Isla de Pascua.' Morgan De Dapper, Past President, Royal Academy for Overseas Sciences, Belgium

• 1. Easter Island as an icon; 2. From the east or the west?; 3. The green past; 4. Culture appears, nature disappears; 5. Makemake, moai, and the tangata manu; 6. Resilience and sustainability; 7. Foreigners; 8. Christianization, sheep breeding, and research; 9. The earth and Easter Island: doom and destiny.

Jan J. Boersema is Professor of Principles of Environmental Sciences at Leiden University. He is editor-in-chief of the Journal of Integrated Environmental Sciences and editor of the textbook Principles of Environmental Sciences (2009, with Lucas Reijnders). Diane Webb has translated numerous books and scholarly articles on historical and art-historical subjects. She was a member of the team that translated Vincent van Gogh: The Letters. In 2005 she was awarded the Vondel Prize for Dutch Translation.

'Jan J. Boersema's study demonstrates once more the 'collapse of the Easter Island society', commonly advocated by Jared Diamond, to be a myth based on shaky scientific ground. To the contrary, the Rapa Nui people adapted to the challenges of isolation in a marginal environment with remarkable resilience. This book, written for a large audience, is a must-read for everyone interested in the fascinating Isla de Pascua.' Morgan De Dapper, Past President, Royal Academy for Overseas Sciences, Belgium

• 1. Easter Island as an icon; 2. From the east or the west?; 3. The green past; 4. Culture appears, nature disappears; 5. Makemake, moai, and the tangata manu; 6. Resilience and sustainability; 7. Foreigners; 8. Christianization, sheep breeding, and research; 9. The earth and Easter Island: doom and destiny.