A few years ago I found this book on the shelves and took it home to my wife. Since we live aboard, I thought she might enjoy it. I eventually picked it up, finished it in a couple of days and loved it so much it became part of my permanent on-board library. That says a lot, given the small amount of space we have, where we cram 30DVDs into the space of one book, the space for one book means a lot. Despite its somewhat dated (1968) and possibly sexist title, this book has been a gem! One chapter on first aid was written by a doctor, which really brings it home: I mean, what if you have to actually do mouth-to-mouth and be face to face with a potentially dead person, perhaps one of your loved ones? But most of this book is so wonderful, such dark thoughts need not be dwelled on, instead sections like this preval: 

"When I close my eyes I can conjure up my paradise island...flamboyant with orchid flowered trees, jewel green with crystal pools bright with darting parrot fish. And sometimes the flamingos, rosy flames against an opalescent sky, swoop down to feed in the gently lapping surf. Here are papayas, coconuts, and breadfruit - mine for the picking. Is it real, my island? It is, but I'd be a fool to tell you where it is, wouldn't I?"