The English in the West Indies
Or, The Bow of Ulysses

An eminent Victorian historian makes observations on the British West Indies, and comments on their peoples and government.

James Anthony Froude (Author)

9781108023702, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 9 December 2010

406 pages, 9 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 2.3 cm, 0.51 kg

James Anthony Froude was one of the foremost Victorian historians in England, though he was often controversial and opinionated, especially towards Catholicism. His biography of Carlyle in 1884, with his emphasis on Carlyle's weaknesses as well as his brilliance, caused lasting offence to many. He then began travelling in British colonies, which led to the publication of Oceana (1886) and The English in the West Indies (1888) which combined anecdotes and observations with Froude's opinions on the British Empire. The latter provoked many angry responses to his views on how the colonies should be governed. He favoured self-government, but feared that democracy would cause the British islands to go the same way as French Haiti, stating that black rule in Grenada would led to a rapid return to savagery. Apart from his political opinions, the book contains interesting and vivid descriptions of the islands and their inhabitants.

1. Colonial policy
2. In the train for Southampton
3. The tropics
4. First sight of Barbadoes
5. West Indian politeness
6. Charles Kingsley at Trinidad
7. A coolie village
8. Home Rule in Trinidad
9. Barbadoes again
10. Leeward and Windward Islands
11. Curiosities in Dominica
12. The Darien canal
13. The English mails
14. Visit to Port Royal
15. The Church of England in Jamaica
16. Jamaican hospitality
17. Present state of Jamaica
18. Passage to Cuba
19. Hotels in Havana
20. Return to Havana
21. Return to Jamaica
22. Going home.

Subject Areas: Early modern history: c 1450/1500 to c 1700 [HBLH]