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This small group of islands in the Western Atlantic was formed by volcanic eruption 100 million years ago, but it was uninhabited until the early 16th century. Its story only begins 400 years ago when the thankful survivors of the "Sea Venture" staggered ashore to form the basis of the first settlement. This book chronicles the lives of the Bermudian people throught the excitements of ships and salt, from privateers and blockade-running in the earlier days to the more sedate present-day occupations of one of the world's most attractive tourist and business centres. Of major importance has been the island's unique geographical position which has more than once made Bermuda a place of great strategic value.