The bestselling primer on the social, political, and economic challenges facing Central and South America—now fully revised and updated.   Ten years after its first publication, Michael Reid’s bestselling survey of the state of contemporary Latin America has been wholly updated to reflect the new realities of the “Forgotten Continent.” The former Americas editor for the Economist, Reid suggests that much of Central and South America, though less poor, less unequal, and better educated than before, faces harder economic times now that the commodities boom of the 2000s is over. His revised, in-depth account of the region reveals dynamic societies more concerned about corruption and climate change, the uncertainties of a Donald Trump-led United States, and a political cycle that, in many cases, is turning from left-wing populism to center-right governments. This essential new edition provides important insights into the sweeping changes that have occurred in Latin America in recent years and indicates priorities for the future.   “[A] comprehensive and erudite assessment of the region . . . While the social and economic face of Latin America is becoming more attractive, political life remains ugly and, in some countries, is getting even uglier.”—The Washington Post “Excellent . . . a comprehensive primer on the history, politics, and culture of the hemisphere.”—Francis Fukuyama, New York Times bestselling author “Reid’s book offers something valuable to both specialists and the general reading public . . . He writes of Latin America with great empathy, intelligence, and insight.”—Hispanic American Historical Review Read more

A postmodern romp through the rain forest, Equatoria is both travelogue and cultural critique. On the right-hand pages, the Prices chronicle their 1990 artifact-collecting expedition up the rivers of French Guiana, and on the left, stage an accompanying sideshow that enlists the help of Jonathan Swift, Joseph Conrad, Gabriel Garcia-Marquez, Alex Haley, James Clifford, Eric Hobsbawn, Germaine Greer, and even the noted anthropologist James Goodfellow. Charged with acquiring objects for a new museum, the Prices kept a log of their day-to-day adventures and misadventures, constantly confronting their ambivalence about the act of collecting, the very possibility of exhibiting cultures and the future of anthropology. Probing the nature of museums, collecting, and power relations between "us" and "them," the Prices raise many troubling questions. Read more

A classic of historical anthropology, First-Time traces the shape of historical thought among peoples who had previously been denied any history at all. Each page of the book presents a transcript of oral histories told by living Saramakas about their eighteenth-century ancestors along with commentary from Price that places their accounts into a broader historical context. Read more

Have you ever thought about visiting the most beautiful countries in South America? Would you like to visit places that are not as popular but as attractive if not more attractive than others? Or, maybe, you already heard about the Guianas and now you want to get a perfect guide that covers all the information you need to know?We are more than happy to help you, so just keep reading...This audiobook History of the Guianas: A Fascinating Guide to French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname will help you learn about the three small but beautiful South American countries you definitely want to know more about.Have you even heard about these three small countries? With a total population of a little more than 1.5 million people, French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname are definitely not one of the biggest countries in the world or South America. This guide will give you the exact reason why it is worth to visit and dive deeper into the history of these amazing countries.Let’s talk about the main things you will get out of this book:History of the GuianasThe most interesting places to visitThe political situation and governmentWays how these countries were civilizedEconomy and religionAnd much, much more...Now, it is your turn to take action. Don’t wait, scroll up, click on the “buy now” button and dive in! Read more

When Richard and Sally Price stepped out of the canoe to begin their fieldwork with the Saamaka Maroons of Suriname in 1966, they were met with a mixture of curiosity, suspicion, ambivalence, hostility, and fascination. With their gradual acceptance into the community they undertook the work that would shape their careers and influence the study of African American societies throughout the hemisphere for decades to come. In Saamaka Dreaming they look back on the experience, reflecting on a discipline and a society that are considerably different today. Drawing on thousands of pages of field notes, as well as recordings, file cards, photos, and sketches, the Prices retell and comment on the most intensive fieldwork of their careers, evoke the joys and hardships of building relationships and trust, and outline their personal adaptation to this unfamiliar universe. The book is at once a moving human story, a portrait of a remarkable society, and a thought-provoking revelation about the development of anthropology over the past half-century. Read more

Journey through the vibrant and enthralling history, culture, and natural wonders of Suriname in this amazing book. Immerse yourself in a captivating narrative that takes you from the enigmatic origins of this South American gem to its contemporary challenges and aspirations.Unveil the secrets of Suriname's ancient rainforests, where biodiversity thrives amidst the whispers of untold mysteries. Explore the hidden trails of the Maroon people, descendants of enslaved Africans who forged their own societies in the heart of the jungle. Wander through historic cities, lounge on pristine beaches, and savor the fusion cuisine that defines Suriname's coastal charm.This text-only book offers a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Suriname's past and present, from the indigenous cultures of the Guiana Shield to the struggles of colonialism, slavery, and the quest for independence. Delve into the stories of resilience, resistance, and transformation that have shaped this nation's identity.This book unveils Suriname's complexities, its diverse ethnic groups, and its commitment to democracy and diversity. It navigates the challenges of resource management, social inclusion, and sustainable development that define contemporary Suriname.If you're a lover of history, culture, and the wonders of the natural world, this book is a must-read. It invites you to embark on a literary journey that will transport you to the heart of Suriname, leaving you with a profound appreciation for this captivating nation.Buy this book today and embark on an unforgettable adventure through Suriname's past and present. Let the words on these pages paint vivid images in your mind and transport you to a land where history, culture, and nature converge in an enchanting tapestry. Read more

The World Today Series: Latin America offers the latest available economic, demographic, political, and cultural information. Including solid statistical data expressing freedom, violence, and governmental orientation. Consideration is given to the evolving relationships with the United States and other Latin American nations. Revisions have also addressed new historical interpretations, for example, of the history of Mexico and latest political changes, for example, in Venezuela and Cuba. Maps, charts, and photographs provide extensive visual expressions of the region, its geography, peoples, and cultures, in particular public architecture, agricultural technology, specular geology, and striking diversity. The images offer a narrative of the multiplicity of peoples as demonstrated in their clothing, economic and everyday activities, their physical surroundings. Consequently, the narrative combines global economics, national politics, and daily social life throughout the region. The chapters can be read as individual histories for each of the countries, within the context created by contrasts and similarities with the other nations of Latin America. Read more

Ter gelegenheid van de viering op 1 juli 2023 van 150 jaar afschaffing van de slavernij ontvingen de nazaten van Anton de Kom, schrijver van ‘Wij slaven van Suriname’, van de Nederlandse regering excuses voor het leed dat De Kom en zijn familie is aangedaan.Het meesterwerk 'Wij slaven van Suriname' verscheen in 1934. Het was een politiek pamflet, geschiedschrijving en felle aanklacht tegen racisme en uitbuiting ineen. Het was het eerste boek waarin de Surinaamse geschiedenis beschreven werd vanuit antikoloniaal gezichtspunt, door een afstammeling van slaven die de gevolgen van de koloniale overheersing aan den lijve heeft ondervonden. Anton de Kom vertelt hoe het Nederlandse koloniale bewind het land en zijn inwoners onderdrukte, en hoe verschillende Surinaamse bevolkingsgroepen daartegen in opstand kwamen. Met grote eruditie schrijft hij over de verschrikkingen, maar ook over moed, veerkracht en vrijheid. 'Wij slaven van Suriname' werd in meerdere landen verboden, ook in Nederland, maar ging desondanks in groten getale illegaal over de toonbank. Ruim anderhalve eeuw na de officiële afschaffing van de slavernij hebben het boek en zijn boodschap niets aan zeggingskracht ingeboet.Anton de Kom werd in 1898 geboren in Paramaribo. Hij doorliep de hoogste opleiding in Suriname, destijds de mulo. Na als beambte te hebben gewerkt vertrok hij zomer 1920 naar Nederland. Twaalf jaar later keerde hij terug naar Suriname, waar hij werd gearresteerd en terug op de boot naar Nederland gezet. In de Tweede Wereldoorlog schreef hij voor het verzet, maar hij werd opgepakt. Kort voor het einde van de oorlog stierf hij aan tuberculose in Kamp Sandbostel bij Bremervörde, een buitenkamp van concentratiekamp Neuengamme. Read more

At the beginning of the 1650s, wrecked by plague and civil war, England was in ruins. Yet shimmering on the horizon was a vision of paradise called Willoughbyland.When Sir Walter Raleigh set out to South America to find the legendary city of El Dorado, he paved the way for an endless series of adventurers who would struggle against the harsh reality of South America’s wild jungles. Six decades later, when a group of English gentlemen expelled from England chose to establish a new colony there, they named the settlement in honor of its founder―Sir Francis Willoughby. Located in the lush landscape between the Amazon and Orinoco rivers, in what is now Suriname, Willougbyland experienced one of colonialism’s most spectacular rises. But as planters and traders followed explorers, and mercenaries and soldiers followed political dissidents, the one-time paradise became a place of terror and cruelty, of sugar and slavery. A microcosm of the history of empire, this is the hitherto untold story of that fateful colony. Read more

Surinam is a remarkable country for many reasons. It is a multi-faceted society: with less than half a million inhabitants, the country is home to a number of population groups. Surinam is a fascinating mosaic of cultures, lifestyles and much beside. About three-quarters of the country is tropical rainforest. The Central Surinam Nature Reserve is the largest protected rainforest in the world, with unimaginable natural wealth. Wide rivers, rapids and waterfalls create an earthly Eden.The text in "Surinam -- Switi Sranan" is concise, yet highly informative. The first part of the book deals with the nature and landscape of Surinam, followed by its history from colony to republic and an overview of the population groups and their cultures. Surinam is a visual feast and plenty of room has been left for illustrations. Some of these, provided by the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT) in Amsterdam, are published here for the first time. For Surinamese, Surinam -- Switi Sranan will be a celebration of their history. It also provides an interesting overview of Surinam and its history for the Dutch of Surinamese descent. This book will convince anybody interested in Surinam --including eco-tourists -- that a visit to Switi Sranan is well worth the effort. Read more

This abridgment of the Prices' acclaimed 1988 critical edition is based on Stedman's original, handwritten manuscript, which offers a portrait at considerable variance with the 1796 classic. The unexpurgated text, presented here with extensive notes and commentary, constitutes one of the richest and most evocative accounts ever written of colonial life—and one of the strongest indictments ever to appear against New World slavery. Read more

This book offers an innovative, thematic approach to the history of Latin America since independence. It traces continuity and change in colonial legacies that became central political issues following independence: authoritarian governance; a rigid social hierarchy based on race, color, and gender; the powerful Roman Catholic Church; economic dependency; and the large landed estate. Generally, liberals have sought to modify or abolish these legacies in the interest of what they consider progress, while conservatives have attempted to preserve them as much as possible as bastions of their power and privilege. Examining the evolution of these colonial legacies across two centuries reveals the processes that formed the political systems, economies, societies, and religious institutions that characterize Latin America today. Read more

A classic of historical anthropology, First-Time traces the shape of historical thought among peoples who had previously been denied any history at all. The top half of each page presents a direct transcript of oral histories told by living Saramakas about their eighteenth-century ancestors, "Maroons" who had escaped slavery and settled in the rain forests of Suriname. Below these transcripts, Richard Price provides commentaries placing the Saramaka accounts into broader social, intellectual, and historical contexts.First-Time's unique style of presentation preserves the integrity of both its oral and documentary sources, uniting them in a profound meditation on the roles of history and memory. This second edition includes a new preface by the author, discussing First-Time's impact and recounting the continuing struggles of the Saramaka people. Read more

Discover the fascinating journey of Suriname, a small yet historically rich nation in South America. From its indigenous roots to European colonization and its path to independence, this concise guide explores the unique cultural, social, and political milestones of Suriname. Perfect for history enthusiasts and curious readers, this ebook provides an accessible and engaging overview of one of the world's most diverse countries. Read more

Winner of the Gordon K. Lewis Memorial Award for Caribbean Scholarship from the Caribbean Studies AssociationWinner of the J.I. Staley Prize for Excellence in Anthropology from the School of American ResearchWinner of the Albert J. Beveridge Award from the American Historical AssociationIn the early 18th century, the Dutch colony of Suriname was the envy of all others in the Americas. There, seven hundred Europeans lived off the labor of over four thousand enslaved Africans. Owned by men hell-bent for quick prosperity, the rich plantations on the Suriname river became known for their heights of planter comfort and opulence―and for their depths of slave misery. Slaves who tried to escape were hunted by the planter militia. If found they were publicly tortured. (A common punishment was for the Achilles tendon to be removed for a first offense, the right leg amputated for a second.) Resisting this cruelty first in small numbers, then in an ever increasing torrent, slaves began to form outlaw communities until nearly one out of every ten Africans in Suriname was helping to build rebel villages in the jungle.Alabi's World relates the history of a nation founded by escaped slaves deep in the Latin American rain forest. It tells of the black men and women's bloody battles for independence, their uneasy truce with the colonial government, and the attempt of their great leader, Alabi, to reconcile his people with white law and a white God. In a unique historical experiment, Richard Price presents this history by weaving together four voices: the vivid historical accounts related by the slaves' descendants, largely those of Alabi's own villagers, the Saramaka; the reports of the often exasperated colonial officials sent to control the slave communities; the otherworldly diaries of the German Moravian missionaries determined to convert the heathen masses; and the historian's own, mediating voice. The Saramaka voices in these pages recall a world of powerful spirits―called obia's―and renowned heroes, great celebrations and fierce blood-feuds. They also recall, with unconcealed relish, successes in confounding the colonial officials and in bending the treaty to the benefit of their own people. From the opposite side of the negotiations, the colonial Postholders speak of the futility of trying to hold the village leaders to their vow to return any further runaway slaves. Equally frustrated, the Moravian missionaries describe the rigors of their proselytising efforts in the black villages―places of licentiousness and idol-worship that seemed to be "a foretaste of what hell must be like." Among their only zealous converts was Alabi, who stood nearly alone in his attempts to bridge the cultural gap between black and white―defiantly working to lead his people on the path toward harmony with their former enemies. From the confluence of these voices―set throughout the book in four different typefaces―Price creates a fully nuanced portrait of the collision of cultures. It is a confrontation, he suggests, that was enacted thousands of times across the slaveholding Americas as white men strained to suppress black culture and blacks resisted― determined to preserve their heritage and beliefs. Read more

For more than four centuries, communities of maroons (men and women who escaped slavery) dotted the fringes of plantation America, from Brazil through the Caribbean to the United States. Today their descendants still form semi-independent enclaves―in Jamaica, Brazil, Colombia, Belize, Suriname, Guyane, and elsewhere―remaining proud of their maroon origins and, in some cases, faithful to unique cultural traditions forged during the earliest days of Afro-American history. In 1986, expelled by the military regime of Suriname, anthropologists Richard and Sally Price turned to neighboring Guyane (French Guiana), where thousands of Maroons were taking refuge from the Suriname civil war. Over the next fifteen years, their conversations with local people convinced them of the need to replace the pervasive stereotypes about Maroons in Guyane with accurate information. In 2003, Les Marrons became a local best seller. In 2020, after a series of further visits, the Prices wrote a new edition taking into account the many rapid changes. Available for the first time in English, Maroons in Guyane reviews the history of Maroon peoples in Guyane, explains how these groups differ from one another, and analyzes their current situations in the bustling, multicultural world of this far-flung outpost of the French Republic. A gallery of the magnificent arts of the Maroons completes the volume. Read more

Borderless Empire explores the volatile history of Dutch Guiana, in particular the forgotten colonies of Essequibo and Demerara, to provide new perspectives on European empire building in the Atlantic world. Bram Hoonhout argues that imperial expansion was a process of improvisation at the colonial level rather than a project that was centrally orchestrated from the metropolis. Furthermore, he emphasizes that colonial expansion was far more transnational than the oft-used divisions into "national Atlantics" suggest. In so doing, he transcends the framework of the "Dutch Atlantic" by looking at the connections across cultural and imperial boundaries.The openness of Essequibo and Demerara affected all levels of the colonial society. Instead of counting on metropolitan soldiers, the colonists relied on Amerindian allies, who captured runaway slaves and put down revolts. Instead of waiting for Dutch slavers, the planters bought enslaved Africans from foreign smugglers. Instead of trying to populate the colonies with Dutchmen, the local authorities welcomed adventurers from many different origins. The result was a borderless world in which slavery was contingent on Amerindian support and colonial trade was rooted in illegality. These transactions created a colonial society that was far more Atlantic than Dutch. Read more

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant heart of South America with our captivating book, 'Suriname: Everything You Need to Know.' Step into the pages of this text-only exploration and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Suriname's history, culture, and natural wonders. From the untamed beauty of its rainforests to the rhythm of its diverse communities, every chapter of this book invites you to delve deeper into the essence of this enchanting country.Uncover the captivating stories of Suriname's indigenous peoples, colonial legacy, and path to independence. Explore its bustling cities, historic forts, and tranquil coastal communities. Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Surinamese cuisine and sway to the beat of its infectious music and dance traditions.But 'Suriname: Everything You Need to Know' is not just a journey through time and space—it's a call to action. Learn about the challenges and opportunities facing Suriname in the modern era, from economic development and social equity to environmental conservation and climate resilience. Gain insights into Suriname's future prospects and the vital role each of us plays in shaping it.Perfect for armchair travelers, curious explorers, and anyone with a passion for discovering new cultures and landscapes, 'Suriname: Everything You Need to Know' is a must-have addition to your bookshelf. This text-only guide offers a window into the soul of Suriname that will leave you longing for more.So why wait? Order your copy of 'Suriname: Everything You Need to Know' today and embark on a journey of discovery unlike any other. Let the words on the page transport you to a world of wonder and excitement, where every turn of the page reveals a new adventure waiting to be explored. Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience the magic of Suriname from the comfort of your own home. Read more

"Jared Ross Hardesty's new critical edition, The Suriname Writings of John Gabriel Stedman, makes an important and necessary intervention into the study of eighteenth-century Caribbean travel writing and natural history by foregrounding the previously unpublished diary entries Stedman authored in Suriname, rather than focusing solely on his writings printed in the metropoles of Europe. Hardesty's edition is especially useful because it includes both a transcription of Stedman's Suriname diary and a detailed appendix tracking key discrepancies between the diary and Stedman's heavily revised printed natural history. This focus on genre and the editorial process in the production of Anglophone transatlantic writing is an excellent resource for students and scholars of the eighteenth-century Caribbean and the Atlantic World. I can see this being a helpful resource in an early American or eighteenth-century history or literature course, as it would enable students to easily compare differing editions of Stedman's Suriname writings. What Hardesty's edition of The Suriname Writings of John Gabriel Stedman offers is a more accessible study of how eighteenth-century writing on maroonage, slavery, science, and abolition was heavily mediated in the print and production process, as this compiled edition offers critical insight into the gendered and racial politics of life in the colonial Caribbean as well as how printers in the metropole attempted to alter the writing of colonizing authors like Stedman." —Elizabeth Polcha, Drexel University Read more

In "Tom-Tom," John W. Vandercook embarks on a profound exploration of the enduring psychological chains left by centuries of slavery, chains that continue to bind African Americans long after their physical emancipation. With sharp insight, Vandercook critiques the widespread adoption of Western culture and religion by Black Americans, questioning the deep cost of such assimilation on their identity and self-worth. He challenges the reader to consider the tragic acceptance of white supremacy's ideals by those whom it oppressed, highlighting the internalized belief in their own inferiority.Vandercook’s journey takes him deep into the unexplored jungles of Suriname, where he and his wife encounter the Bushnegroes—a nearly forgotten people who have built a world in the New World woods that mirrors the African forest from which their ancestors were torn two centuries ago. In this distant and mysterious realm, the Bushnegroes have preserved a way of life that is as wise, noble, and unique as it is beautiful. Their society, philosophy, science, and art are intricately woven into the fabric of the jungle, allowing them to thrive in harmony with the powerful and often fearsome moods of the forest."Tom-Tom" is not just an exploration of a physical landscape but also an intimate journey into the minds of these jungle-dwellers, a people whose civilization is as valid and complex as any in the world. Vandercook argues that the path to true fulfillment for Black people lies not in emulating white society, but in rediscovering and embracing their rich heritage, wisdom, and spiritual traditions. This book is both a critique of the lasting impact of slavery on the African American psyche and a call to reclaim the dignity and pride that comes from understanding and celebrating one's roots. It is a tale of a forgotten world and a forgotten people, brought vividly to life in Vandercook’s compelling narrative. Read more