Nigel Hicks' informative and entertaining text and distinctive and highly-personal photography present a wide-ranging introduction to the many faces of the Philippines for resident and visitor alike. The main text is accompanied by sidebars or box stories which are used to highlight details of particular interest, provide anecdotal information, and give a lively and reader-friendly look to the book. The book is divided into two parts, the first part giving an overview of the landscapes, people history, modern economy and culture of the Philippines, and the second part looking in detail at the four main regions: Luzon and the main Island; Mindoro and Palawan - the Wild Frontiers; the Visayas - Island and Beach Life; and, Mindanao - the Islamic South.