The island of Spinalonga lies in the Bay of Mirabello, Crete, approximately 30 kilometres from the town of Aghios Nikolaos. The name, Spinalonga was given by the Venetians and means 'the Long Arm'. The name aptly describes the peninsular which protrudes into the bay, making a safe and natural harbour which has been used since pre-Venetian times. Of more interest to visitors to the area is the smaller island, which was the last leper colony in Europe. The book gives a detailed account as to how the island became a leper colony and how the lepers lived there. Illustrated with 39 colour photographs.