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jjweisman's review
3.0
Alongside good history of the British Caribbean, much insight into the American Revolution.
librarianonparade's review
4.0
I could never have thought I would find myself so engrossed in a history of sugar production in the British West Indies, ie. Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua etc. I could hardly put this book down. In the wrong hands this could have been an immensely dull and dry scholarly work, but Parker writes with real flair, populating his narrative with colourful figures, both sympathetic and abhorrent. Pirates, slaves, merchants, traders, plantation owners, politicians, rebels, soldiers and sailors, they're all here.
That said, this book is far more than just a history of sugar production - it is more of a history of colonialism in the West Indies from the mid-seventeenth century up to the abolition of slavery in the early nineteenth, and the creation of the 'first British Empire', founded on an immensely rich market in sugar and slaves. Parker pulls no punches, detailing the horrifying realities of life for a slave on a sugar plantation, contrasted with the life of almost unparalleled luxury and magnificence enjoyed by those select families whose fortunes were made, names such as Drax, Codrington and Beckford.
What I found particularly interesting was the relationship between the West Indies and the American colonies, a relationship I never thought much about, for all my interest in the American settlement. So much of the available land on the Caribbean islands was given over to sugar production that they relied heavily on the American colonies for almost all food and lumber, creating a heavy dependence that had a devastating impact in the wake of the American Revolution. Similarly, sugar, molasses and rum, and the British government attempts to regulate and profit from the trade thereof, played an important role in stiffening resentment and antagonism towards the 'mother country' and helped soften the ground for the seed that would become the American Revolution.
And all this from sugar? Who knew?
That said, this book is far more than just a history of sugar production - it is more of a history of colonialism in the West Indies from the mid-seventeenth century up to the abolition of slavery in the early nineteenth, and the creation of the 'first British Empire', founded on an immensely rich market in sugar and slaves. Parker pulls no punches, detailing the horrifying realities of life for a slave on a sugar plantation, contrasted with the life of almost unparalleled luxury and magnificence enjoyed by those select families whose fortunes were made, names such as Drax, Codrington and Beckford.
What I found particularly interesting was the relationship between the West Indies and the American colonies, a relationship I never thought much about, for all my interest in the American settlement. So much of the available land on the Caribbean islands was given over to sugar production that they relied heavily on the American colonies for almost all food and lumber, creating a heavy dependence that had a devastating impact in the wake of the American Revolution. Similarly, sugar, molasses and rum, and the British government attempts to regulate and profit from the trade thereof, played an important role in stiffening resentment and antagonism towards the 'mother country' and helped soften the ground for the seed that would become the American Revolution.
And all this from sugar? Who knew?
stephend81d5's review
3.0
Detailed book about sugar in the west indies and how it became in 17-18th century a major cash crop also highlights the imperial tensions between rival colonies and countries
tawallah's review
3.0
This book has been an emotional experience. This well researched book chronicles the rise and fall of the West Indian planter. A small number of unremarkable men rose to prominence in the 15- 18th century. It looks at major family based in Barbados, Jamaica and eastern America. Each island has a less than stellar beginning, odds are against the planter. Only the resourceful succeed. With success, the ripple effect of slavery and its effect on both the planters and slaves is excellently related. The effect on the world is huge, and sets the stage for understanding oil moguls of today. But riches never last.
My only grouse with this book, is the scope presented is huge. There are numerous key military battles described here. So if military battles are outside your comfort zone, then it will get boring quickly. The author tends to use Old English often for authenticity, but not easy to read.
Despite my shame, anger, bewilderment, horror with the facts portrayed, I am going to get my own copy to slowly peruse again. It is quite a dense read but necessary for knowing the history of my island.
My only grouse with this book, is the scope presented is huge. There are numerous key military battles described here. So if military battles are outside your comfort zone, then it will get boring quickly. The author tends to use Old English often for authenticity, but not easy to read.
Despite my shame, anger, bewilderment, horror with the facts portrayed, I am going to get my own copy to slowly peruse again. It is quite a dense read but necessary for knowing the history of my island.
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