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)

9781108024778, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 17 February 2011

530 pages, 1 b/w illus. 2 maps
29.7 x 2.7 x 21 cm, 1.26 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 3 examines the French colony of St Domingo and the rebellion there, and also discusses Jamaica, Barbados and St Lucia.

Preface to the first edition
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Part I. A Historical Survey of the French Colony in the Island of St. Domingo: 1. Political state of Saint Domingo, previous to the year 1789
2. From the Revolution of 1789, to the meeting of the first General Colonial Assembly
3. Proceedings of the General Colonial Assembly until its final dissolution, and embarkation of the members for France, August 1790
4. Rebellion and defeat of Ogé, a free man of colour
5. Proceedings in France
6. Consequences in St. Domingo of the Decree of the 15th of May
7. Of the motives which induced the people of colour to join the revolted negroes
8. Reception and proceedings of the Civil Commissioners, and their return to France
9. Situation, extent, and general description of St. Domingo
10. Emigrations
11. Sickness among the troops, and the causes thereof
12. Ancient state of the Spanish colony
13. A tour through the several islands of Barbadoes, St. Vincent, Antigua, Tobago, and Grenada, in the years 1791 and 1792 by Sir William Young, Bart.
14. Historical account of the Constitution of Jamaica
Appendix
Part II. History of the War in the West Indies, from its Commencement in February 1793: 1. Preliminary observations
2. Sir Charles Grey arrives at Barbadoes, and sails for the attack of Martinico
3. Conquest of St. Lucia
4. Savage indignities of Victor Hughes to the remains of General Dundas.

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