The History of Jamaica
Or, General Survey of the Antient and Modern State of that Island, with Reflections on its Situation, Settlements, Inhabitants, Climate, Products, Commerce, Laws, and Government

An influential three-volume survey of Jamaica's early colonial history and economy, from a pro-slavery viewpoint, published in 1774.

Edward Long (Author)

9781108016445, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 31 October 2010

654 pages
24.4 x 17 x 3.3 cm, 1.03 kg

Edward Long's three-volume work marks a major turning point in the historiography of Jamaica, as the first attempt at a comprehensive description of the colony, its history, government, people, economy and geography. The son of a prominent Jamaican plantation owner, Long (1734–1813) spent twelve years running his father's property, an experience which permeates his vision of the island's past, present and future. Throughout his book, Long defends slavery as 'inevitably necessary' in Jamaica, suggesting the institution to be implicit in the 'possession of British freedom'. Volume 1 gives an overview of British colonial government in Jamaica, a history of the island's initial colonisation by Spain, and an account of the economy, including population and export figures and details of prices paid for slaves during the eighteenth century. This important 1774 book provides fascinating insights into eighteenth-century colonial Jamaica and the ideology of its commercial and administrative elite.

Introduction
Book 1: 1. Of the government and constitution
2. Of the Governor
3. Lieutenant Governor and President
4. Of the Council
5. Of the Assembly
6. Chief-Justice
7. Court of Vice-admiralty
8. Public officers
9. Agent
10. Militia
Appendix
On the legislative constitution of Jamaica
11. The expedition to, and conquest of, Jamaica
12. Dependencies of Jamaica
Book 2: 1. Of the Spanish settlement in Jamaica
2. General description of Jamaica
3. Agriculture
4. Roads
5. Trade
6. Money
Appendix
Adddenda et corrigenda.

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