This pioneering work is multi-disciplinary in approach as it examines the rich folk medicine of Jamaica. Payne-Jackson and Alleyne analyse the historical and linguistic aspects of folk medicine, based on their research, which included extensive fieldwork and interviews. They explore the sociological and ethnological dimensions of common healing and health-preserving practices which rely on Jamaica's rich biodiversity in medicinal and nutritional flora. As is the case with other aspects of Jamaican traditional culture, Jamaican folk medicine is largely misunderstood and subject to negative pejorative attitudes. This comprehensively study challenges some of the myths and misinformation. Particular attention is paid to cultural transference from Africa and the use of herbs in African-Jamaican religions. The work has an appendix and a glossary as well as a detailed bibliography.

The latest edition of Cayman Islands provides in-depth coverage of each of the country's three distinctive islands. Renowned for some of the world's best diving and snorkelling, the islands also offer numerous other activities, all of which are detailed in this thorough guide. Drag yourself away from those white-sand beaches and you can head off in search of iguanas, mysterious caves or even ghosts. The guide is complete with historical background information and natural history for those who want to dig deeper and unlock the true spirit of Cayman.

This second book in the Nevile series takes the band of companions deeper into the mystery of the evil king's rise to power. Can he be brought to justice? Suspicion looms large and deception rules the day as Nevile plots to depose the evil king of Aribbea in the year 2222. To succeed, the famous bridge builder must convince Nina, A.T. and Hunn Dread to support his mission, but everyone feels torn in different directions. Nina's bond with Hanuman the monkey leads her on a new path in life; A.T. is content with power over his own canton and Hunn Dread emerges as Nevile's rival for Nina's affection. As usual, Pierre the bacoo is sneaking off to stir up trouble with his lies. Success now depends on Nevile questioning the Royal Record Keeper to unlock the mystery of the keys in the treasure chest Nina discovered when she first found land and changed the course of the three bridgers' lives. Nevile's first test comes in Xaymaca's elfin forest where duppies confront Nevile's party. Will Nevile unite his friends, Papa Bois' folk, the bridgers and the salt miners to overthrow the king? Will he feel forced to choose between Nina and Seamstress Number 2, who once saved his life? Will he discover SN2's secret? Excitement mounts and tempers flare as Nevile builds his fighting force joined by a second Guyanese genie, a duppy and a forest creature. Will Nevile win freedom for Aribbea from the king?

A description of the period in Jamaica's history that follows the abolition of slavery, up to the introduction of universal adult suffrage. The author analyzes the social, intellectual and political history of the era, including health, law, labour, and the ideas of the black intelligentsia.

A collection of supernatural stories from Jamaica featuring ghosts, gremlins and rolling calves. Some are true', some sinister, some amusing, but all bring to life the underbelly of a country which, while devoutly religious, is very much open to the world of the bush doctor, spirits and, of course, the ubiquitous duppies.'

This is a book about an extraordinarily rich and varied culture - a culture in which 'most of the religio-political movements of the world are to be found epitomised in some form'. In tracing the Jamaican people's search for an identity through these movements, this book places the modern cult of Rastafarianism in the broadest of historical contexts. Obeah, Christ and Rastaman reflects the author's careful, scholarly approach, his delight in a fascinating, colourful subject and his deep, humane regard for a people 'who have, over the years, suffered incredible degradation and suppression'.