Wijanto Hadipuro is going to give his critical overview on Island of Java. The book was compiled and published by John Joseph Stockdale (1770-1847) based on the records of Sir Samuel Auchmuty, commander of the invading British forces, that conquered Java in 1811. It was then the first book to be published in England relating to the British conquest of Java. Like most works published during this time, Island of Java recounts everything that was known at the time about the island and its inhabitants. Detailed descriptions are given of Java's ecology, history and culture, including methods of tribute and taxation used by the Dutch colonists and the design of the fortifications surrounding Batavia. Also described are such things as the dining habits of the Dutch administrators, the executions of thirteen of the ruler's concubines in Surakarta, and the notorious Upas or "Poison Tree of Java", believed to exude a foul odour which routinely annihilated all living things for miles around.