The History of the Island of Dominica containing a description of its situation, extent, climate, mountains, rivers, natural productions etc, etc.

London England: Frank Cass and Co Limited, 1791. The History of the Island of Dominica, containing a description of its situation, extent, climate, mountains,rivers , natural productions etc,etc. Together with an account of the civil government, trade laws, customs and manners of the different inhabitants of that island. Its conquest by the French and restoration to the British Dominions. Declared a 'neutral' island by the contending powers of France , Spain and Britain. Dominica had nevertheless been settled informally by the French when it was first conquered by Britain in 1759. Captured by the French during the war of American Independence, it was restored to Britain in 1783. When Thomas Atwood published this first history of the island in 1791, therefore, Dominica was a new and exposed colony, where the French inhabitants still outnumbered the English. Atwood, an intelligent man, who had been Chief Judge both in Dominica and the Bahamas, was greatly impressed by the island's strategic importance and commercial possibilities. He wrote his history to induce Britain to develop the colony, and to attract more British immigrants and capital. His history, therefore, also comprises a complete description of the contemporary Dominica, and the sections devoted to commerce are particularly important. Very much 'planter' historian Atwood's strictures on the character of the Negroes make extremely interesting reading, especially when compared with his generous sentiments towards the few remaining amerindians. All in all, this book still provides the most uniquely vivid, if not unbiased picture of Dominica in the late 18th century. 285pp + Catalogue of the Cass Library of West Indian Studies. This book will be POSTED AT OUR STANDARD RATES FULLY INSURED (UK) ONLY . .Please email for further details. Not Signed or Inscribed. This the First Facsimile Edition 1971. Green Cloth. NEAR FINE (NEAR NEW)/NEAR FINE (NEAR NEW). Illus. by illustrated Dustwrapper. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾". HARDBACK.