From Columbus to Castro: The History of the Caribbean 1492-1969

by Eric Williams

Book Overview

From Columbus to Castro: The History of the Caribbean is about 30 million people scattered across an arc of islands -- Jamaica, Haiti, Barbados, Antigua, Martinique, Trinidad, among others-separated by the languages and cultures of their colonizers, but joined together, nevertheless, by a common heritage. For whether French, English, Dutch, Spanish, Danish, or-latterly-American, the nationality of their masters has made only a notional difference...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0394715020
• ISBN13: 9780394715025
• Release Date: April 1984
• Publisher: Vintage
• Length: 608 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Williams' is brilliant

A thoroughly researched book and a well-informed man, Williams does much justice to the West Indian populace. Graduating the top of his class from Oxford University, Williams is indeed worthy of scholastic praise. - Jeremy Pike, history major, University of Texas, at Brownsville

From Columbus to Castro

I have not read the book yet, but the condition of the book on arrival and the timely delivery already make it a good purchase.

Truth and Closure.....A Must Read for Everyone!!!!!!!

I can not put into words what this journal of the truth has done for me as a African-American Male living in the United States of America. I was introduced to this book by a man of Guyanese decent who knew I needed to read this book. I have to admit it was a difficult read because my primary education only spoke of American History and there was no mentioning of any African-Caribbean contributors from the "Middle Passage" period. Now, at thirty-nine many things are clearer to me. "Roots" and "Beloved" are historic, well-documented treasures and need to be used in educating all children no matter race, creed or color. To make sure what I read had some semblance of truth while in Puerto Rico I visited a sugar mill in Guanica and my heart just melted. If you read the book you will understand my feelings. I became angry because something as simple as not being forthwith with documented history such as this to young minds of American children lead to misunderstandings amongst the masses hailing from Africa, South America, The Caribbean, Asia, United States and Europe. Eric Williams I know I can not thank you in person because you are no longer here physically but your spirit lives on in your books and you will always be alive everytime one more person reads your book and awaken "Thank You"! For everyone else read the book it will cleanse your soul and feed your mind. Once you finish this read "How Europe Underdeveloped Africa" by the same author.

Very informative and full of facts

A handy and indepth guide to the history and economy of the Caribbean from 1492 to 1960s. He provides ample numerical data to illustrate the period. There is also, an extensive bibliography and a fine index.