An island is a piece of land surrounded by water. But: what happens when bridges, causeways, tunnels- "fixed links"- irrevocably connect islands to mainlands? Is insularity, and its way of life, threatened? Or is it saved by virtue of a stronger integration with the world at large?

Bridging Islands is a critical, interdisciplinary scoreboard of the pros and cons of bridging islands to mainlands. Internationally recognized scholars review the assorted socio-cultural, economic and political impacts of fixed links on small island communities. Included are chapters on Prince Edward Island's Confederation Bridge (celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2007), Cape Breton's Canso Causeway, islands in Quebec and Newfoundland, the Florida Keys, Ireland, France, Scotland, Sweden, and Singapore.

Godfrey Baldacchino is Canada Research Chair in Island Studies at the University of Prince Edward Island and executive editor of Island Studies Journal. He has authored and edited two dozen books and monographs, as well as more than 50 journal articles, many of which explore issues specific to island communities. His most recent book is Bridging Islands: The Impact of Fixed Links.

Godfrey Baldacchino's profile page