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The Caribbean: A History of the Region and Its Peoples

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Combining fertile soils, vital trade routes, and a coveted strategic location, the islands and surrounding continental lowlands of the Caribbean were one of Europe’s earliest and most desirable colonial frontiers. The region was colonized over the course of five centuries by a revolving cast of Spanish, Dutch, French, and English forces, who imported first African slaves and later Asian indentured laborers to help realize the economic promise of sugar, coffee, and tobacco. The A History of the Region and Its Peoples offers an authoritative one-volume survey of this complex and fascinating region.

This groundbreaking work traces the Caribbean from its pre-Columbian state through European contact and colonialism to the rise of U.S. hegemony and the economic turbulence of the twenty-first century. The volume begins with a discussion of the region’s diverse geography and challenging ecology and features an in-depth look at the transatlantic slave trade, including slave culture, resistance, and ultimately emancipation. Later sections treat Caribbean nationalist movements for independence and struggles with dictatorship and socialism, along with intractable problems of poverty, economic stagnation, and migrancy.

Written by a distinguished group of contributors, The Caribbean is an accessible yet thorough introduction to the region’s tumultuous heritage which offers enough nuance to interest scholars across disciplines. In its breadth of coverage and depth of detail, it will be the definitive guide to the region for years to come.

624 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2011

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Stephan Palmié

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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Profile Image for Sian.
71 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2022
the textbook for my anthropology class anth 255: The Caribbean: History & Political Economy

a very complete history of the region that covers all aspects of society
Profile Image for Don.
135 reviews5 followers
April 17, 2016
An outstanding history of the Caribbean - best available!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews

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