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History of the Bahamas
Book by Craton, Michael
- GenresHistory
334 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1968
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 2, 2014
This is a good book about an obscure topic. A chronological history of the islands is the standard way to present the information. However, it could have used more editing for consistency. Craton probably had written a much larger work that editors significantly cut. The result is that he references people and events out of context, and this certainly confuses the reader.
It is fascinating how the island colonies survived. Craton clearly makes a good case that the islands perhaps should never have been colonized. They consistently cost the British government money to manage the colony. The colony was out of control for much of its storied existence. And, it only prospered in times of war or illegal behavior.
Given the hostile environment with deathly shoals, tidal currents, poor soil, sickly atmosphere, and corrupt administration, it is a wonder that the islands are inhabited at all. It was especially fascinating to read about the company-controlled islands. For nearly two hundred years, during the most notorious days of piracy, the islands were ostensibly managed by a company, a group of wealthy and influential Britons. However, the islands cost them money, hence they infused little or no money to sustain and develop them. The result was a the gangster-state or banana republic that was a pirate utopia. Only gradually, and reluctantly, the British crown took over the islands. From that point on, the history becomes increasingly dull. Major events only happened in times of war or smuggling. By the 1940s the islands could begin to return some profitability.
Overall, a good overview of the topic. The writing is dull and academic (without the footnotes). There is not much action or adventure. Sure, there were riots, assaults, and wars; but Craton simply mentions them, preferring to focus on complex political scheming. The result is a dull read; but one that shows the hazards of a government that is managed for profits instead of for people.
It is fascinating how the island colonies survived. Craton clearly makes a good case that the islands perhaps should never have been colonized. They consistently cost the British government money to manage the colony. The colony was out of control for much of its storied existence. And, it only prospered in times of war or illegal behavior.
Given the hostile environment with deathly shoals, tidal currents, poor soil, sickly atmosphere, and corrupt administration, it is a wonder that the islands are inhabited at all. It was especially fascinating to read about the company-controlled islands. For nearly two hundred years, during the most notorious days of piracy, the islands were ostensibly managed by a company, a group of wealthy and influential Britons. However, the islands cost them money, hence they infused little or no money to sustain and develop them. The result was a the gangster-state or banana republic that was a pirate utopia. Only gradually, and reluctantly, the British crown took over the islands. From that point on, the history becomes increasingly dull. Major events only happened in times of war or smuggling. By the 1940s the islands could begin to return some profitability.
Overall, a good overview of the topic. The writing is dull and academic (without the footnotes). There is not much action or adventure. Sure, there were riots, assaults, and wars; but Craton simply mentions them, preferring to focus on complex political scheming. The result is a dull read; but one that shows the hazards of a government that is managed for profits instead of for people.
July 9, 2021
Dry, political history. Interesting that the pirate philosophy of life has persevered. Easy come, easy go, work little, party lots. I should have gotten the People’s history.
May 13, 2016
Although I didn't finish the book, I found the parts I read of some interest. It dragged a bit, and got caught up in details while missing the grand picture.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews