In 1834 Antigua became the only British colony in the Caribbean to move directly from slavery to full emancipation. Immediate freedom, however, did not live up to its promise, as it did not guarantee any level of stability or autonomy, and the implementation of new forms of coercion and control made it, in many ways, indistinguishable from slavery. In Troubling Freedom Natasha Lightfoot tells the story of how Antigua's newly freed black working people struggled to realize freedom in their everyday lives, prior to and in the decades following emancipation. She presents freedpeople's efforts to form an efficient workforce, acquire property, secure housing, worship, and build independent communities in response to elite prescriptions for acceptable behavior and oppression. Despite its continued efforts, Antigua's black population failed to convince whites that its members were worthy of full economic and political inclusion. By highlighting the diverse ways freedpeople defined and created freedom through quotidian acts of survival and occasional uprisings, Lightfoot complicates conceptions of freedom and the general narrative that landlessness was the primary constraint for newly emancipated slaves in the Caribbean.

The islands of Antigua and Barbuda—along with a host of smaller islands—make up their own country in the waters between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Readers take an exciting tour of this island nation with the help of detailed main text and fact-filled sidebars that cover the country’s past and present, including the 2017 hurricane that devastated the island of Barbuda. The resiliency and beauty of the people of Antigua and Barbuda are reflected in the islands’ culture, which readers explore through engaging text, vivid photographs, and recipes.

Sugar. It sits there, dormant, nestled in a small bowl or serving-size packet, waiting to be spooned into a cup of coffee or tea; spread across some cereal; or dropped into a recipe for cake, pie, or other scrumptious treat in the making. It is so readily available, so easy to use, so irresistibly tasty. But few people stop to realize the enormous economic, social, political, even military, upheaval this simple-looking, widely popular food enhancer has caused in many parts of the world. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, even into the nineteenth century and early decades of the twentieth, sugar cane was a preeminent crop upon which economies succeeded or failed, societies grew, and money flowed like . . . well, sugar! A region particularly impacted by sugar was the volcanic islands of the Caribbean—virgin soil enriched by crushed coral and limestone, and blessed by unlimited sunshine. The result was soil so rich for planting that the necklace of island colonies and small nation-states became a massive source of the world’s supply of sugar. Antigua’s 108 square miles, an island of undulating hills and indented coastline, fell into this category.

Mrs. Lanaghan's monumental work, 'Antigua and the Antiguans (Vol. 1&2)', serves as a comprehensive and meticulous exploration of the island of Antigua. Delving into the rich history, culture, and society of the Antiguans, Lanaghan's book is a treasure trove of information for scholars and enthusiasts alike. Written in a straightforward and informative style, the book provides a detailed account of the island's colonial past, the impact of slavery, and the evolution of Antiguan society over the centuries. Lanaghan's attention to detail and thorough research make this book an essential read for anyone interested in Caribbean history and culture. Mrs. Lanaghan, a renowned historian and Caribbean scholar, brings her expertise and passion for the region to 'Antigua and the Antiguans'. Her deep connection to Antigua and its people is evident in the vivid descriptions and insightful analysis found throughout the book. Lanaghan's dedication to uncovering the hidden stories and lesser-known aspects of Antiguan history sets her work apart and establishes her as a leading voice in Caribbean studies. I highly recommend 'Antigua and the Antiguans (Vol. 1&2)' to readers who are eager to explore the complex tapestry of Antiguan history and culture. Lanaghan's comprehensive study offers a compelling and enlightening look at this vibrant Caribbean island, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the region's rich heritage.

This title provides comprehensive information on the geography, history, governmental structure, economy, cultural diversity, peoples, religion, and culture of the Antigua and Barbuda. All books of the critically-acclaimed Cultures of the World(R) series ensure an immersive experience by offering vibrant photographs with descriptive nonfiction narratives, and interactive activities such as creating an authentic traditional dish from an easy-to-follow recipe. Copious maps and detailed timelines present the past and present of the country, while exploration of the art and architecture help your readers to understand why diversity is the spice of Life.