From 1917, British soldiers who were unfit or too old for front line service were to serve unarmed and within the range of German guns for weeks or even months at a time, undertaking laboring tasks. The vital, yet largely unreported, role played by these brave soldiers was crucial to achieving victory in 1918. For this book John Starling and Ivor Lee have brought together extensive research from both primary and secondary sources. It traces how military labor developed from non-existent in 1914, to a Corps in November 1918, some 350,000 strong, supported by Dominion and foreign labor of more than a million men. The majority of the Labour Corps did not keep war diaries; therefore, this work provides vital information for those wishing to acquire information about an ancestor who served in the Corps. Read more

Jason Wilson, Avray Wilson's War in Tropical Mauritius.My parents Frank Avray Wilson and Ivy Eckbo, an abstract expressionist artist and his wife, spent the Second World War years before I was born in Mauritius. Over the war my father struggled to become a full-time painter. Because he failed to pass his conscription, he found himself, a third generation Mauritian from a landed Protestant family, trapped on the island for almost 11 years. My father was reluctant to talk about his war effort, but I discovered that his war work included training Mauritian militia, becoming the ADC to the governor, then Nutritional Officer, fighting the Vichy supporters, becoming a poet, then a vegetarian, then a painter. He had a family and his wife, my mother, encouraged him to exhibit, though he didn’t turn up at his first collective show. I discovered snippets about all his work, but it was only on his death that I could assemble the random parts. When his father died in 1945, he could plan his new life and new identity and move to London and become a full-time artist renaming himself as Avray Wilson. It meant betraying his sugarcane businessman father and becoming an Abstract Expressionist. My mother was the force behind his first shows that he had never revealed of before. She was the 'daughter' to Alice Higford, an eccentric and rich suffragette who married Eivind Eckbo and introduced him to modern art and architecture as Eivind made his name as a businessman. He cured himself of what I now know was Chrons disease and become a fanatic of a cranky, wholesome diet. He wrote books about this diet. These Norwegian roots attached. my parents to the island of Sandø in the Oslo Fiord and the paintings of Edvard Munch, who lived nearby. I look at the friends my parents made of poets and artists like Malcolm de Chazal and Hervé Masson, the English critic Ewan Phillips and to my great surprise three Jewish artists interned on the island, amongst the 1281 Jews exiled there and kept in the old prison for 4 years. I knew nothing about these artists, but three of them exhibited with my father: Anna Frank, Fritz Haendal and Peretz Beda Mayer and were all Expressionists. During his eleven years on the island my father, aided by my mother, turned himself into an avant-garde artist. This study of my parents, before I was born, relies on my mother's laconic 5 years diaries which I read after she died, on many personal anecdotes, research at the Kew archives (on the war with Japan who threatened an invasion) and their immersion in the artistic life on a provincial, backwards tropical island. I am an Emeritus Professor at UCL and taught and researched Latin American poets and travellers. I have published several books.. My books have been translated into Spanish, French, Portuguese, Turkish and Chinese. This study deals with an artist and his supportive wife, of a racist, tropical colony during the second World War and a group of Mauritian artists and poets in the framework of a struggle to fulfil an artistic ambition against family taboos and land responsibilities. It may interest all who enjoy unravelling family secrets, how a colony was on the eve of the break-up of the British Empire. It deals with the fate of the Jewish refugees, with sugar, vegetarianism and art. Read more

This book focuses on the spatial experiences of Indian indentured labourers in Mauritius and Fiji and reveals previously unexplored labour movements across the so-called Indentured Archipelago. It offers a historical geographical perspective of the lives of these labourers in Mauritius and Fiji, situating their experiences in the wider context of spatial mobility and subaltern agency. The concept of re-migration - labourers moving between these colonies, and beyond - is explored, and the scale of this facet of indentured life is revealed, in a way which has not been done to date. It brings to the fore a debate on subaltern agency, and role of geography in exploring the lives of these labourers both within and between colonies. The book also brings to light the numerous proposals for the use of Indian indentured labour across the globe, highlighting the centrality of Indian indenture to the post-abolition labour discourse. Read more

This collection of papers, reports and letters, published in 1842, documents the official investigation into the export of South Asians effectively as slave labour to Mauritius and British Guiana in 1837, four years after the abolition of slavery in all British colonies. The investigation revealed how the anti-slavery laws were evaded by the issue of nominal contracts for labourers, by which much of their wages were withheld to pay for their passage, and how enticement, trickery and sometimes kidnap were used in recruiting them. It highlights appalling conditions on overloaded ships, inadequate living conditions and a brutal working environment. Only rarely were workers released at the end of their 'contract'. The reports and correspondence show the struggle of Parliament and the Anti-Slavery Society to ascertain facts often distorted by corrupt officials, particularly on Mauritius. Readers will find chilling parallels to the human trafficking that still persists today. Read more

Africa: A Guide for Teachers and Families is a carefully organized resource for teaching children and adolescents about African culture.This book is divided into geographical regions, so each can be highlighted and contrasted. The songs, fairy tales, mythologies, biographies, art, and recipes are highlighted with practical activities for each grade, including kindergarten. This is an invaluable book for teachers in elementary and high school as well as for home school parents. Based on this extensive, well-researched book, Waldorf teachers have created a full unit on Africa. Teachers and parents will welcome this updated and expanded 2022 edition of the successful book, Hear the Voice of the Griot!.This new and exciting edition makes the music, history, animals, and people of Africa come alive - as well as offering things you can make and do. Check out the interactive connections to YouTube videos, bringing Africa into your home and classroom. Read more

FROM THE WINNER OF THE BAILLIE GIFFORD PRIZE and author of EAST WEST STREETTHE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'Should be read by anyone who cares about justice, humanity and human rights' Elif Shafak'An essential account' Sunday Times'Powerful and persuasive . . . superb' Abdulrazak Gurnah 'An urgent reminder that Britain's colonial rule isn't our past. It's our present' New Statesman'An important [book]' Observer'Elegant, moving and profoundly informative' The ScotsmanThrough one woman's fight for justice, the award-winning author of East West Street exposes the shocking events that marked the 1965 establishment of the British Indian Ocean Territory. Written with Sands' characteristic expertise, insight and thrilling storytelling, The Last Colony lays bare the brutal legacy of colonial rule, the devastating impact of Britain's grip on its last colony in Africa and the ongoing struggle to right a historic wrong. Read more

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES TOP 10 BESTSELLERAfter the Second World War, new international rules heralded an age of human rights and self-determination. Supported by Britain, these unprecedented changes sought to end the scourge of colonialism. But how committed was Britain? In the 1960s, its colonial instinct ignited once more: a secret decision was taken to offer the US a base at Diego Garcia, one of the islands of the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, create a new colony (the 'British Indian Ocean Territory') and deport the entire local population. One of those inhabitants was Liseby Elysé, twenty years old, newly married, expecting her first child. One suitcase, no pets, the British ordered, expelling her from the only home she had ever known.For four decades the government of Mauritius fought for the return of Chagos, and the past decade Philippe Sands has been intimately involved in the cases. In 2018 Chagos and colonialism finally reached the World Court in The Hague. As Mauritius and the entire African continent challenged British and American lawlessness, fourteen international judges faced a landmark decision: would they rule that Britain illegally detached Chagos from Mauritius? Would they open the door to Liseby Elysé and her fellow Chagossians returning home - or exile them forever? Taking us on a disturbing journey across international law, THE LAST COLONY illuminates the continuing horrors of colonial rule, the devastating impact of Britain's racist grip on its last colony in Africa, and the struggle for justice in the face of a crime against humanity. It is a tale about the making of modern international law and one woman's fight for justice, a courtroom drama and a personal journey that ends with a historic ruling. Read more

The fascinating story of the exceptional maritime explorer, Matthew Flinders - the man who put Australia on the map.Shipwrecks, storms, death and danger - Matthew Flinders encountered it all on his courageous quest to circumnavigate and chart the treacherous Terra Australis coastline.From the drama of epic voyages and devastating shipwrecks; his part in the naming of Australia; his cruel imprisonment by the French on Mauritius for six long and harrowing years; the heartbreaking separation from his beloved wife; and the comfort he got from his loyal cat, Trim; to his tragic death at just forty.This is a gripping adventure biography that details the life of Flinders, a true hero whose name is forever woven into the fabric of Australian history. Read more

The fascinating story of the exceptional maritime explorer, Matthew Flinders - the man who put Australia on the map.Shipwrecks, storms, death and danger - Matthew Flinders encountered it all on his courageous quest to circumnavigate and chart the treacherous Terra Australis coastline.From the drama of epic voyages and devastating shipwrecks; his part in the naming of Australia; his cruel imprisonment by the French on Mauritius for six long and harrowing years; the heartbreaking separation from his beloved wife; and the comfort he got from his loyal cat, Trim; to his tragic death at just forty.This is a gripping adventure biography that details the life of Flinders, a true hero whose name is forever woven into the fabric of Australian history. Read more

The island of Mauritius lies in the middle of the Indian Ocean, about 550 miles east of Madagascar. Uninhabited until the arrival of colonists in the late sixteenth century, Mauritius was subsequently populated by many different peoples as successive waves of colonizers and slaves arrived at its shores. The French ruled the island from the early eighteenth century until the early nineteenth. Throughout the 1700s, ships brought men and women from France to build the colonial population and from Africa and India as slaves. In Creating the Creole Island, the distinguished historian Megan Vaughan traces the complex and contradictory social relations that developed on Mauritius under French colonial rule, paying particular attention to questions of subjectivity and agency. Combining archival research with an engaging literary style, Vaughan juxtaposes extensive analysis of court records with examinations of the logs of slave ships and of colonial correspondence and travel accounts. The result is a close reading of life on the island, power relations, colonialism, and the process of cultural creolization. Vaughan brings to light complexities of language, sexuality, and reproduction as well as the impact of the French Revolution. Illuminating a crucial period in the history of Mauritius, Creating the Creole Island is a major contribution to the historiography of slavery, colonialism, and creolization across the Indian Ocean. Read more

In September 1847 coloured squares of paper were stuck to envelopes and used to send out admission cards to a fancy-dress ball on the tropical island of Mauritius. No-one at the party would have guessed that the envelopes bearing these stamps would one day be worth more than a million dollars.When a two pence 'Blue Mauritius' surfaced on the fledgling French stamp-collecting market in 1865 it gained instant celebrity. Then in 1903, when a perfect specimen, discovered in a childhood album, was bought at auction by the Prince of Wales, the Blue Mauritius gained super-star status. Even now, the stamps of 'Post Office Mauritius' remain synonymous with fame, wealth and mystery. Helen Morgan tells the fascinating story of the most coveted scraps of paper in existence, from Mauritius' Port Louis to Bordeaux, India and Great Britain, Switzerland and Japan, into the fantasies and imagination of stamp collectors everywhere. Read more

A study of how the Royal Navy defended the British Empire’s far-flung bases, from Bermuda to Hong Kong and beyond. Includes maps and photos.   During the nineteenth century, the Royal Navy played a key role in defending the expanding British Empire. As sail gave way to steam power, there was a pressing requirement for coaling stations and dock facilities across the world’s oceans. These strategic bases needed fixed defenses.   In Britain’s Island Fortresses, historian Bill Clements describes in detail, with the aid of historic photographs, maps and plans, the defenses of the most important islands, Bermuda, Ceylon, Hong Kong, Jamaica and Singapore, and a number of lesser ones including Antigua, Ascension, Mauritius, St. Helena, and St. Lucia. He describes how the defenses were modified over the years in order to meet the changing strategic needs of the Empire, and the technological changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution. Only three of these bases had to defend themselves in war—Hong Kong, Singapore and Ceylon—and the author relates the battles for these bases. This is a fascinating read for anyone interested in the maritime history of the British Empire. Read more

In September 1847 coloured squares of paper were stuck to envelopes and used to send out admission cards to a fancy-dress ball on the tropical island of Mauritius. No-one at the party would have guessed that the envelopes bearing these stamps would one day be worth more than a million dollars.When a two pence 'Blue Mauritius' surfaced on the fledgling French stamp-collecting market in 1865 it gained instant celebrity. Then in 1903, when a perfect specimen, discovered in a childhood album, was bought at auction by the Prince of Wales, the Blue Mauritius gained super-star status. Even now, the stamps of 'Post Office Mauritius' remain synonymous with fame, wealth and mystery. Helen Morgan tells the fascinating story of the most coveted scraps of paper in existence, from Amuritius' Port Louis to Bordeaux, India and Great Britain, Switzerland and Japan, into the fantasies and imagination of stamp collectors everywhere. Read more

Embark on an extraordinary journey to the enchanting island of Mauritius with our captivating book. In this one-of-a-kind travel guide, you'll be whisked away to a tropical paradise, filled with breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and a vibrant cultural tapestry that will leave you mesmerized.Explore the ancient history of Mauritius, from its indigenous inhabitants to the impact of European colonization, and follow the path to its hard-fought independence. Dive into the island's ecological wonders, from its diverse flora and fauna to the iconic dodo bird, symbolizing the island's ecological past. Discover the heartbeat of Mauritian culture as you immerse yourself in its culinary delights, savoring the fusion of flavors that make the cuisine so unique. Dance to the rhythmic beats of Sega, and join in the colorful festivities of local celebrations and festivals.From adrenaline-pumping watersports to serene homestays, our book offers an in-depth look at the best activities Mauritius has to offer. Learn about the island's sustainable tourism efforts and its commitment to protecting its precious natural wonders and endangered species. Whether you're an avid traveler, a curious explorer, or someone dreaming of a tropical escape, this book is your key to unlock the secrets of Mauritius.Don't miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and magic of Mauritius, all within the pages of this thoughtfully crafted text-only guide. Order your copy today and let the wonders of Mauritius captivate your heart and soul. Read more

Are you dreaming of a life in an exotic paradise? Mauritius, with its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and welcoming community, beckons as an ideal destination for those seeking a fresh start in a tropical haven. "A Guide to Moving to Mauritius: Your Pathway to Paradise" is your comprehensive companion for making your dream of living in this enchanting island nation a reality.This insightful guide takes you on a journey through every aspect of relocating to Mauritius, from the initial planning stages to embracing the unique Mauritian lifestyle. Whether you're moving for work, retirement, or simply seeking adventure, this book equips you with the knowledge and tools you need to thrive in your new home.Inside, you'll discover:Practical Guidance: Navigate the intricacies of visas, permits, and paperwork with ease, and uncover essential tips for a smooth transition.Cultural Insights: Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Mauritian culture, from its diverse traditions to its vibrant festivals.Housing and Education: Find the perfect accommodation for your needs and explore the education options available for you and your family.Healthcare and Well-being: Learn about Mauritius' healthcare system and how to access quality medical services.Employment and Business: Discover the economic landscape of Mauritius and explore opportunities for your career or entrepreneurial ventures.Community and Lifestyle: Connect with the local community and embrace the Mauritian way of life, from its cuisine to its leisure activities.Environmental Stewardship: Understand the importance of sustainability and the environment in Mauritius and learn how you can contribute to conservation efforts.Leaving a Legacy: Explore ways to make a meaningful and lasting impact on your community, the environment, and future generations.Whether you're drawn to Mauritius for its natural beauty, business opportunities, or cultural richness, this guide provides you with the tools to embark on your journey with confidence and enthusiasm. Let "A Guide to Moving to Mauritius: Your Pathway to Paradise" be your roadmap to a new and fulfilling chapter in this tropical paradise. Your dream life in Mauritius awaits! Read more

Paul et Virginie (1787), an adolescent love story set in an exotic Indian Ocean island, was one of the literary sensations of the age. Telling of a passion both chaste and doomed, the novel combined fashionable sentimentality with an evocatively tropical setting. It was a huge critical and commercial success in France and abroad, a precursor of the Romantic movement. The novel's author, Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre, had previously spent 28 months in the French colony of Ile de France (now Mauritius) in 1778-80. This extended exposure to the island not only inspired Paul et Virginie, but also led to one of the period's fullest and most fascinating accounts of a colonial society and its daily life. First published in 1773, Voyage a L'Isle de France is now available in this newly translated and annotated edition-Journey to Mauritius. Structured into a series of letters, Bernardin's survey of Mauritius includes a detailed description of the island's geography, flora and fauna. Describing the closed nature of colonial society, he also provides a chilling picture of the cruelties of plantation life and slavery. Mixing indignation with a keen appreciation of the island's beauty, Bernardin provides us with one of the earliest examples of a walking guide as he details Mauritius' sights and landscapes. From the disappearance of the dodo to the mosaic of multiracial Port Louis little escapes the author's curious gaze. His journal also includes detailed descriptions of Reunion and the Dutch-controlled Cape Colony, which he visited on his return to France. An introduction sets this travel account in its historical context, discussing Bernardin's life and ideas as well as the hostility the book provoked when first published. It also explores its contribution to travel writing and its relevance to modern-day Mauritius. Incorporating the story La Chaumiere Indienne (The Indian Shack) that Bernardin wanted too include in a never-published second edition and illustrated with period engravings, Journey to Mauritius will be of interest to those visiting the island as well as students of the anti-slavery movement, colonialism and travel writing. Read more

By 1809 the Indian Ocean was the final battleground for Nelson's Navy and the French fleet. At stake was Britain's commercial lifeline to India - and its strategic capacity to wage war in Europe. In one fatal season, the natural order of maritime power since Trafalgar was destroyed. "Storm and Conquest" brings together the terrifying ordeal of men, women and children caught at sea in hurricanes, and those who survived to drive the French from the Eastern Seas. All shared a need to prove themselves - to make a career, or a fortune, or a marriage - in places which could be at once magnificent and terrifying. The drama of Stephen Taylor's masterful narrative is irresistible; his true stories more than a match for the novels of Patrick O'Brian. And he provides a meticulously researched, searing portrait of the British captains whose zeal and ambition was such that they would rather die than capitulate. Read more

Africa: A Guide for Teachers and Families is a carefully organized resource for teaching children and adolescents about African culture. This book is divided into geographical regions so each can be highlighted and contrasted. The songs, fairy tales, mythologies, biographies, art, and recipes are highlighted with practical activities for each grade including kindergarten. This is an invaluable book for teachers in elementary and high school as well as for home school parents. Based on this extensive, well-researched book, Waldorf teachers have created a full unit on Africa. Teachers and parents will welcome this updated and expanded 2022 edition of the successful book, Hear the Voice of the Griot!.This new and exciting edition makes the music, history, animals, and people of Africa come alive – as well as offering things you can make and do. Check out the interactive connections to YouTube videos, bringing Africa into your home and classroom. Read more

When the British took control of the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius soon after the abolition of the slave trade, they were faced with a labour-hungry and potentially hostile Franco-Mauritian plantocracy. This book explores the context in which Indian convicts were transported to the island and put to work building the infrastructure necessary to fuel the expansion of the sugar industry. Drawing on hitherto unexplored archival material, it is shown how convicts experienced transportation and integrated into the Mauritian social and economic fabric. Read more

Republic of Mauritius is one of the top rated tourists attractions in the world. These Photos Will Leave You Stunned. Must -See Destinations, Places & Unforgettable Experiences Guaranteed to Inspire. Full-Color Picture Book"40 Special Images-Large Print (8.5"*11") This full page picture book will make a great home coffee table decor accessory or as a gift for a loved one. Breathtaking Photos & Places. If You Have Visited It Before Or Are Planning To Visit It, These Photos Will Make You Feel Satisfaction. The Reality Is That Visual Aids, Particularly Photographs, Can Help Activate Memories For Someone With Alzheimer's, Memory Loss, And Dementia, And This Is True For Individuals With Both Early-Stage And Full-Stage Alzheimer's.My Book Can Also Be Used For Other Purposes, Including: In Cafes, Bookshelves, End Tables, Restrooms, Waiting Areas In Offices & Barbershops, & because It Will Be Attractive To The Viewer's With Its Wonderful Pictures, It Will Be Sufficient For Its Use.It can Increase The Quality Of Life For Persons With Down's Syndrome. Read more