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)

9781108024785, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 9 December 2010

510 pages
29.7 x 2.6 x 21 cm, 1.21 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 4 describes the campaigns of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars in the West Indies, and provides updated sections on the issue of abolition.

Prefatory advertisement
Part I. History of the War in the West Indies, from its Commencement in 1793: 5. Campaign of 1795
6. A formidable expedition prepared in England for the West Indies
7. Capture of the Island of Trinidad
8. Rupture of the Peace of Amiens
9. Naval and military events of 1808
Description of the British Colonies, which were omitted by Mr. Edwards, or have been ceded to this country since his decease
Part II. History of the Abolition of the Slave Trade: 1. Introduction
2. Exertions of both parties to prepare for the contest
3. Motion of Earl Percy
Extract from a statement relative to the outrages committed on the innocent traffic of Africa, by ships engaged in the slave trade, drawn up from authentic documents.

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