A Traveller's History of the Caribbean Paperback – January 1, 2007

I was a bit surprised when I read this book, considering it had primarily glowing reviews. There is almost nothing included about the original inhabitants of the Caribbean islands, except for the destruction of their culture. This isn't an exaggeration, it's covered between page 6 and 12 of a book with 336 pages of text. There is very little material regarding piracy, which was a major influence on the history of a number of Caribbean islands. The book is primarily a discussion of the evils of the colonial process in the Caribbean, along with the evils of slavery on the sugar plantations. While these are extremely important topics, and had a massive impact on modern Caribbean culture, they aren't the only important events in Caribbean history.I bought this book because I wasn't looking for a text book, and most of the books available were text books. Looked at from that perspective, the book is okay, not great, but when compared against other available options it's better than nothing. I've been on a few Caribbean cruises, and found the local history museums on a number of the islands very interesting. I was hoping to get a more in depth discussion of Caribbean history, but I was disappointed by this book in that respect.

In spite of its title, this fine book is simply a comprehensive history of the West Indies. There is scant mention of the wider, mainland Caribbean, and it's not just for travelers. That said, it is an authoritative, complete history of the area, in my view the best there is. I would like to think that travelers to the region would read a history such as this, but I'm sure they rarely do. Nonetheless, it is a very engaging read. If you like history, then by all means take it on your next cruise. The book begins with the first European contact and goes up to 2008, when it was published, covering Spanish, Dutch, British, French and American exploration and colonization of the region, as well as independence and post-independence. In addition to being well-written, I would like to note the typeface is pleasant on the eyes, the book is bound well, and it is cheap. The first edition was, in contrast, poorly bound and inclined to come apart. The second edition has a stout, seemingly plasticized cover that will travel well. Aside from that, there is little difference between the first and second editions; just a few sentences concerning recent history. I used this as a text for a course on peoples and cultures of the Caribbean and it worked well, in my opinion. You need to understand the history to understand these societies. Some of my students found it too detailed, but it is a complicated - and rather dramatic - history, with pirates, genocide, slavery and revolts.

This is a very interesting, informative and well-written history. I read it before and during our recent visit to St Kitts, and knowing the full story of the region and St Kitts itself made the trip really fascinating. What I found especially intriguing is how the history from European settlement, to the emergence of the African slave trade, followed multiple changes in governance (and more often, mis-governance) by the Spanish, British, Dutch, etc., to eventual independence of these islands completely shapes the way they are today, for good and bad. Also interesting were the close relationships between the colonial islands and the emerging United States, before and after 1776. My hearty compliments to the author!

Only needed this 2 semesters ago, I liked it

A good read, suitable for beach or pool-side, especially if in the Caribbean. Covers many topics, loops back to important islands more than once. Covers Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti in some detail. Dutch Caribbean also well covered. Smaller islands (Barbados, French Caribbean, etc.) not as well-covered because of smaller populations. Basically focuses most on islands, with little detail about adjoining continental nations. Very good place to start (or think about beginning) more Caribbean study.

Good book. Learned alot about one of my favorite regions in the world.

Really easy to understand and written in a very clear and concise way. Im loving the book so far!

I haven't even finished this book yet, and I'l already learned a great deal. The style is unusually good for a book of history. Highly recommended.