Britons Through Negro Spectacles (10)

by A.B.C. Merriman-Labor

A riotous, witty travelogue documenting the author's experiences in Britain in the early 1900s, from an African perspective

In Britons Through Negro Spectacles Merriman-Labor takes us on a joyous, intoxicating tour of London at the turn of the 20th century. Slyly subverting the colonial gaze usually placed on Africa, he introduces us to the citizens, culture and customs of Britain with a mischievous glint in his eye. This incredible work of social commentary feels a century ahead of its time, and provides unique insights into the intersection between empire, race and community at this important moment in history.

Genres: Classics, History, Audiobook, Nonfiction, British Literature, Travel, Adult

192 pages, Paperback

Published February 3, 2022

Reviews

[Julia P · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought given the number of 19th and early 20th century British novels that I've read for school or otherwise that this witty travelogue novel would elicit a chuckle. No, it's not my sense of humor. However, I did appreciate the critiques of hypocritical British Imperialism.

[Kev Nickells · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely wee number - originally published in 1909 it's a kind of satirical ethnography of the British, in all their ridiculousness and customs, written by a well-travelled Sierra Leonean. It's got that quality of the writer being kind of indifferent to the madness of greedy landlords, the pervasiveness of hucksters, the insularity of the middle classes. It's by and large light-hearted, though necessarily takes aim at colonialism, racism, and the absurd stereotypes applied to black folk. Apparently he was asked more than once if he had a tail (!)

It's also interesting to read about two forms of Christianity - the writer's, which is of a more central and imperative role in his life, and that of Londoners in the early 1900s - largely ceremonial, social. Interesting also that this is long before Windrush - so there were fewer black communities in the UK - and this writer is clearly posh as the sun, that the racism he experiences is not so different to what he might experience now.

Anyway yeah - it's a cute and witty wee one, probably ideally suited to a train journey.

[stevie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

This book gives an insight to a lost age and you are drawn in to a stroll round London in the early 20th century taking in all the sights and sounds of the time with this honored guest. Very good.

[Maras · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised how progressive author's ideas were, especially remembering that the book was written in the early 20th century. the most unexpected was chapter 42 that covered white men's similar tendencies to play down the role and importance of white women and black people. truly a great read.

[fiona ☁️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

read for uni. undoubtedly an important text, just really not for me.

[Riley-Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful, quippy, and so ahead of its time. I already can't wait to return to this one.

[giselle · Rating 4 out of 5]

“We shall therefore confine our walk to Central London where people meet on business during the day, and to West London where they meet for pleasure at night.”

[Johanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great concept and funny in parts though dated. Also just interesting to see a snapshot of London in the 1900s.

[eeaagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looooved this one. Wow, 117 years later so many of the observations he makes are still things to observe today. For example, pet love, London being lonelier than an African desert as observed on a busy train, unwritten code of social laws, newspaper clippings, etc. this was a really fun one to read! Especially loved the audiobook version.