The History, Civil and Commercial, of the West Indies
With a Continuation to the Present Time

This groundbreaking history of the West Indies, originally published in 1793, remained a standard work, being repeatedly expanded and updated.

Bryan Edwards (Author)

9781108024754, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 9 December 2010

678 pages, 7 b/w illus. 9 maps
29.7 x 21 x 3.5 cm, 1.6 kg

Bryan Edwards (1743–1800) was a wealthy West Indian planter, politician and historian. He vigorously opposed the abolition of the slave trade, since the sugar industry relied heavily on it. His most important work was The History, Civil and Commercial, of the British Colonies in the West Indies, originally published in two volumes in 1793, and subsequently expanded (this fifth edition of 1819 reaching five volumes) with many plates and maps. In this wide-ranging work, he described his aim as 'to describe the manners and dispositions of the present inhabitants, as influenced by climate, situation, and other local causes . . . an account of the African slave trade, some observations on the negro character and genius, and reflections on the system of slavery established in our colonies'. Volume 1 covers the physical geography of the area, its early inhabitants, and the discovery and settlement by Europeans.

Prefatory advertisement
Sketch of the life of the author
Book I. A General View of Their Ancient State and Inhabitants: 1. Geographical arrangement
2. Of the Charaibes, or ancient inhabitants of the Windward Islands
3. Of the natives of Hispaniola, Cuba, Jamaica, and Porto-rico
4. Land animals used as food
Book II. Jamaica: 1. Discovery of Jamaica by Columbus
2. Cromwell for attacking the Spaniards in 1655
3. Proceeding of the English in Jamaica after its capture
4. Situation
5. Topographical description
Book III. English Charaibean Islands: 1. Barbadoes
2. Grenada and its dependencies
3. Saint Vincent and its dependencies, and Dominica
4. Leeward Charaibean Island government, comprehending Saint Christopher's, Nevis, Antigua, Montserrat, and the Virgin Islands
Appendix.

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