Customer Reviews

Atlantic Islanders of the Azores and Madeiras

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The author, a Harvard professor and department chairman, wrote a good overview of the history and commercial development in recent times (20th century) as it related to the rest of the world (i.e USA, Europe, etc). Early history starts around 1500. The islands were always dominated by Lisbon. Emigration was always high and emigrant behavior similar to that from other disadvantaged peoples and countries (including that emigrants, regardless of what first world they went to, sent money back to "home" which both the government of Portugal and those who benefited both enjoyed). Among other topics are included the roles and details of several famous and rich families, including covered-up scandals, the wealth divide between the rich-powerful and the underlings on the islands, socio-economic differences between the Azores and Madeiras, role in the telecommunications (undersea transatlantic cables, shipping, radio, telegraphy, World War roles), farming, tourism industries, substantial cultural and church issues, biographical vignettes, and even some discussion of the "coming out" on the part of the islands' gay population (1960s-70s), and the noticeable pattern of the acquisition of mistresses by emigrant and local husbands. The book gave 46 photographs, 8 maps, many tables of economic and demographic data, 22 pages of references and sources, and 16 pages of detailed index. The author lists 9 other of his books, 6 of which focus on various specific aspects of the history of Portugal. Some readers may want to consult books that came out more recently (since this book is copyrighted 1979), or more devoted to political history, for a more up to date picture or perspectives chosen by authors for emphasis. I, as a casual reader of history, enjoyed the book. This review written 5/11.

The author is very well versed in Azorean history, but as usual attempts to grasp at the Anglo connection with the Azoreans. Mr. "Rogers" wrote this at a time when the Azores were in a revolutionary mode, and made not attempt to describe the injustices that were placed upon these peoples. One sided as usual.
pv