This work depicts the insular experience of the Azores since its settlement until the present day, attentively following a chronological line that begins in the XV century and ends in 2008. The settlement of the islands, their incipient political and administrative structures and main economic activities, the organization of an insular society and the beliefs and religious sensibilities are some of the themes that are rigorously explored. Its principal purpose is to inform readers about the principal aspects of insular history. This is a concise history easily accessible to the public in general notwithstanding the author's assurance that it is a scientific work.