Customer Reviews

History of the People of Trinidad & Tobago

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Perhaps I was looking for a bit of a lighter work on the subject of the history of Trinidad and Tobago. This particular title by Eric Williams, the first Prime Minister of T&T is a bit more academic than what I was looking for. It does, however, deliver with quite a bit of interesting information on the roots and evolution of Trinidadian culture. From the days before Christopher Columbus claimed the island for Spain through the years of the island changing hands and struggling to survive through horrible mismanagement, right up to its struggle for independence from the crown, it appears that Mr. Williams doesn't miss a single detail. However, I don't have anything to compare it to with this being the first title I have read concerning the history of Trinidad and Tobago. If you are looking for light reading and general info concerning T&T, your best bet is probably a travel guide...but if you are looking for a comprehensive history of the country, this book is a great starting point!

A history of Trinidad and Tobago by its "father" is clearly invaluable as a primary document, and also as a lead to other primary documents he quotes. Readers should be aware, though, of the context in which it was written - hastily, without thorough editing, and obviously from a position of relative bias given his role in Trinidad's independence movement. Nonetheless, essential reading for anyone interested in learning about or researching Trinidad & Tobago.

History of the people of Trinidad and Tobago is an impressive scholarly work. It assesses the political background and the historical struggles of a once colonized and subjugated populations of what is now know as the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. It also addressed their aspirations. Not only had it enhanced the ability of their nationals to relate politically to the outside world , but is also allowed them to communicate intellectually.
It was a timely and a critical move on the author's part to adresses the social and political ills of colonialism and educate the nationals of the twin isle nations to embrace their national independence with pride, dignity, and political intergrity.

I'm a Trinidadian American trying to learn about my historical background. These previous reviewers convinced me to buy this book. I love it. It is verrrrry in depth. More so than I anticipated. This book helped to elucidate many facts that were unclear to me. It's not an easy read, but just take your time with it. It is a learning experience. I would have liked to learn more about the slavery of blacks and semi-slavery of Indians but it was enough information to get a taste. I'm glad with the amount of information that I acquired with this book. It is very informative. I'm not into historical studies, but I really enjoyed this book. Sometimes it was a bit tedious, but all in all very knowledgeable information. Great read for American Trinis who want to learn their heritage which is very important!