Conquistador Voices will take you on a thrilling and immersive journey through the Spanish Conquest of the Americas. This two-volume set builds upon eyewitness accounts, all tied together by a captivating narrative that will carry you to lush Caribbean islands, windswept Andes peaks, sweltering subtropical coasts, and beyond. An engaging read, Conquistador Voices offers you an understanding of the Spanish Conquest that is as strikingly real as if you were there yourself.What are the benefits for you?See history through vivid first-person testimony instead of windy narrativeGet the facts on a watershed event, including the horrors wrought upon Native AmericansLearn details likely left unmentioned in your schoolbooksWhat will you find in these two volumes?Eyewitness accounts—including the Aztec—of the Spanish Conquest, most of them freshly translated into modern idiomOne of the most riveting survival stories ever documented—namely, that of Cabeza de VacaA comprehensive and readable narrative that leaves moralizing to the readerA modern documentary “feel”A 500-year-old window on places we know today, such as Texas, Florida, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South AmericaIf you like lively history, give Conquistador Voices a try. Don't wait. Order your copy today. Read more

Early in the twentieth century, the Cuban sugarcane industry faced a labor crisis when Cuban and European workers balked at the inhumane conditions they endured in the cane fields. Rather than reforming their practices, sugar companies gained permission from the Cuban government to import thousands of black workers from other Caribbean colonies, primarily Haiti and Jamaica. Black Labor, White Sugar illuminates the story of these immigrants, their exploitation by the sugarcane companies, and the strategies they used to fight back. Philip A. Howard traces the socioeconomic and political circumstances in Haiti and Jamaica that led men to leave their homelands to cut, load, and haul sugarcane in Cuba. Once there, the field workers, or braceros, were subject to marginalization and even violence from the sugar companies, which used structures of race, ethnicity, color, and class to subjugate these laborers. Howard argues that braceros drew on their cultural identities-from concepts of home and family to spiritual worldviews-to interpret and contest their experiences in Cuba. They also fought against their exploitation in more overt ways. As labor conditions worsened in response to falling sugar prices, the principles of anarcho-syndicalism converged with the Pan-African philosophy of Marcus Garvey to foster the evolution of a protest culture among black Caribbean laborers. By the mid-1920s, this identity encouraged many braceros to participate in strikes that sought to improve wages as well as living and working conditions. The first full-length exploration of Haitian and Jamaican workers in the Cuban sugarcane industry, Black Labor, White Sugar examines the industry's abuse of thousands of black Caribbean immigrants, and the braceros' answering struggle for power and self-definition. Read more

A compelling account of history's most famous pirate.The Pirate King is the compelling true story of a Welshman who became one of the most ruthless and brutal buccaneers of the golden age of piracy. The inspiration for dozens of fictionalized pirates in film, television, and literature—as well the namesake of one of the world’s most popular rum brands—Captain Sir Henry Morgan was matchless among pirates and privateers. Unlike most of his contemporaries, he was not hunted down and killed or captured by the authorities. Instead he was considered a hero in England and given a knighthood and eventually was made governor of Jamaica. As Graham Thomas reveals in this fresh biography of this complex and intriguing character, Morgan was an exceptional military leader whose prime motivation was to amass as much wealth as he could by sacking and plundering settlements, towns, and cities up and down the Spanish Main.Featuring graphic accounts of Morgan’s exploits, eventually leading to an unparalleled rise to power and legitimacy, The Pirate King is a riveting read sure to become a key text in pirate literature. Thomas dispels myths and separates fact from fiction as he presents an intriguing new portrait of one of history’s most compelling figures.Skyhorse Publishing, along with our Arcade, Good Books, Sports Publishing, and Yucca imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs. Our list includes biographies on well-known historical figures like Benjamin Franklin, Nelson Mandela, and Alexander Graham Bell, as well as villains from history, such as Heinrich Himmler, John Wayne Gacy, and O. J. Simpson. We have also published survivor stories of World War II, memoirs about overcoming adversity, first-hand tales of adventure, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home. Read more

For those who love epic stories, this gripping page-turner unveils the brutality of imperialism in Ireland and the Caribbean Island of Jamaica.A historical saga you will devour, pause to regroup, and never forget.West Cork, Ireland, 1846: Desperate and half-starved, an Irishman boards a hurricane-battered ship to the Caribbean. But life away from Ireland is also bleak. The ship is attacked by pirates, his best friend is killed, and he arrives on a stunning, distressful, slave-scourged island.Jamaica, West Indies, 1846 - 1849: Sean O’Sullivan barely endures his work as overseer for the cruelest British planter in Jamaica. Britain is forced to abolish slavery, but angry planters continue to brutalize and subjugate blacks. Rebellions erupt and activists are lynched.O’Sullivan quietly resists planter abuse and creates thriving farming communities owned by his ex-slaves. How will he survive, as uprisings continue to flare and a well-respected human rights activist returns home to Jamaica; his name is Marcus Garvey.Editorial Reviews“…fascinating characters and events. …a dramatic and heart-wrenching story of suffering, hope, and redemption. And freedom! Moving and inspiring. The worst and the best of us… I enjoyed this book very much and encourage all to buy it and be blessed.”—J. André Weisbrod, Financial Adviser, Speaker, and Award-Winning Author of Don’t Ever Take Away My Freedom by Thomas Patrick Locke “Kudos to author Norma Jennings for writing this entertaining, essential, meaningful and historical account. This was like having spinach in your cake (if you hated spinach); you are not aware you are getting the well needed literary and historical nutrients, because it’s sooooooo goooooood!!!!”—Jeffrey Anderson-Gunter, Producer/Director/Actor/Founder and Artistic Director of The Caribbean American Repertory Theatre“… a fantastic page-turner of fiction embellished with facts. It was such a heartbreaking tale that I needed time to regroup after reading. Set in the mid to late 1800s, this book will appeal to historians and everyone who loves epic stories. This novel explored resilience, betrayal, selflessness, suffering, grit, survival, hope, and courage…Please, write more, Norma.”—Jennifer Ibiam for Readers’ Favorite“… held my interest captive and left me with an impression that I was an active observer of the meetings and personal interactions which were happening. I almost felt as though I was eavesdropping on some of the conversations outlined…painstaking detail of the personal interactions…a must read…”—Hilton Nicholson, JD“Sean O’Sullivan fled the devastation of the Irish Potato Famine of the 1840s, that caused more than a million deaths…to the island of Jamaica…O’Sullivan found work with the British elite [but] didn’t shy away from helping to calm the turbulence of the years of slavery…a story of loss and redemption. Readers will get absorbed in its detail. Norma Jennings is the quintessential storyteller.”—Michael I. Blake, ABR, SRS, SRES Read more

A hidden history, A global crime, The truth they never wanted you to know about the Transatlantic Slave Trade For centuries, the transatlantic slave trade was one of the most ruthless and profitable enterprises in history—yet much of its true story has been buried, distorted, or forgotten. This book exposes the raw, unfiltered truth of how millions of Africans were captured, transported, and exploited in a vast network of greed, power, and human suffering.Most people think they know the story. They don’t.✅ The secret role of European banks and insurance companies that made millions from slavery✅ How African rulers helped the trade grow—and why some later regretted it✅ The brutal kidnapping methods that fueled a multi-billion-dollar industry✅ The shocking reality of the Middle Passage—why many slaves chose death over survival✅ The hidden history of slave rebellions—why thousands fought back, and how history erased them✅ How Britain, France, and Spain secretly continued the trade even after "banning" it✅ Why slavery didn’t truly end in the 1800s—and how its legacy still shapes global wealth todayThis isn’t the watered-down version of history found in textbooks. This is the truth they don’t want you to know.Scroll up and click "Buy Now" Read more

The years between the two World Wars were critical years in the history of Jamaica and its capital city, Kingston. During these years, the systemic inequities and vulnerabilities of the colonial Jamaican economy were especially magnified in the continuum of living conditions, urban fabric and economy of the city. It is during this period that the working class strikes and demonstrations drew attention to the urgent need for reform, and it is at the end of this era that the decolonization process gained traction. Shacks, Slums and Suburbs, as the title suggests, is particularly concerned with the social fabric, building typologies and living conditions of the entire spectrum of Kingston’s inhabitants from the urban poor to the middle and upper classes, featuring never-before-published architectural reconstruction drawings of both suburban and slum housing.This investigation is set within a broader understanding of the city’s history and characteristics Read more

Discover Jamaica’s Journey: From Ancient Tribes to the Fight for FreedomTwo manuscripts in one book:History of Jamaica: A Captivating Guide to Ancient Indigenous Tribes, Spanish Colonization, British Rule, Independence, and Modern TimesThe Baptist War: A Captivating Guide to the Origins, Events, and Legacy of the Great Jamaican Slave RevoltDive into the amazing story of Jamaica, a country shaped by the trials of slavery and the incredible strength of its people. This book tells how enslaved Africans, despite enduring terrible hardships, built the foundation of Jamaica’s vibrant culture and heritage.In the first part of this book, you will learn about:The First Inhabitants: Discover the daily life of the Taíno, Jamaica’s original people.Arrival of Columbus: Learn about Columbus’s arrival and the changes brought by Spanish colonization.British Takeover: Understand how the British took control from the Spanish.Life on Plantations: See the harsh realities of life on plantations for enslaved people.Maroons’ Resistance: Explore the brave fight for freedom by the Maroons, escaped slaves who stood strong against their oppressors.Black Pride Champions: Get to know heroes like Marcus Garvey who promoted black pride and self-reliance.End of Slavery: Follow the complex journey towards abolishing slavery and achieving freedom.Jamaican Independence: Trace Jamaica’s path to independence in 1962, including its political struggles and successes.Modern Jamaica: Examine the ongoing challenges and triumphs of modern Jamaica.Discover the exciting story of the Baptist War, the biggest and most important slave rebellion in Great Britain’s Caribbean colonies. This book tells you all about the Christmas War, Sam Sharpe’s War, and the Emancipation War, explaining why it is one of the greatest slave uprisings ever.In the second part of this book, you will discover:Jamaica’s Maroons: A free Afro-Jamaican community that started in slavery, won a war against the British, and stayed strong for over three hundred yearsLoyalist Preachers: How African American preachers, loyal to the king, left the American colonies and brought the Baptist faith to JamaicaPlantation Owners’ Hatred: Why Jamaican plantation owners hated Baptist missionaries and how a simple plan by a slave deacon for a sit-down strike shook the British EmpireSir Hans Sloane’s Legacy: How he used his wealth from slave-produced sugar to start the British MuseumThe Power of Reading: Why teaching slaves to read was such a big threat to the slave systemSugar’s Danger: The dangers slaves faced while making sugarPirate Henry Morgan: The story of a pirate who was supposed to be hanged but was knighted and became lieutenant governor of JamaicaBlood Sugar Movement: How a movement started by a Quaker woman led to a boycott of slave-made sugarEscape to Freedom: The tale of a slave who escaped, pretended to be white, and joined the Coldstream Guards in EnglandExplore the powerful stories that shaped Jamaica. Click 'Add to Cart' and step into a history filled with courage, struggle, and triumph! Read more

Title: The Myth of the Ancestral CurseAuthor: Norris R. McDonald, DIJFor centuries, Black people have been told that their suffering is divine punishment—ordained by God and passed down through a mythical “ancestral curse.”In this powerful, eye-opening work, Norris R. McDonald, DIJ, dismantles one of the most enduring and damaging lies in Christian history: the so-called Curse of Ham. From the hymnals of colonial churches to the halls of modern academia, this myth has been used to justify slavery, colonization, and systemic racism.With clarity, historical depth, and spiritual conviction, McDonald traces how scripture was distorted, how Black history was erased, and how liberation must begin with truth.Drawing from the Bible, classical history, and Black theological thought, this short but impactful book challenges readers to confront religious indoctrination, reclaim their dignity, and break spiritual chains that have lasted for generations.Whether you're a student of theology, an activist for racial justice, or a seeker of historical truth—The Myth of the Ancestral Curse will inspire, inform, and empower you.The Myth of the Black Ancestral Curse is a bold and revelatory work that exposes how colonial powers distorted Christian doctrine to justify the enslavement of Black people. From the Curse of Ham to papal decrees that sanctioned genocide, Norris R. McDonald, DIJ dismantles centuries of theological manipulation and calls for spiritual truth, historical clarity, and psychological healing.This book is a journey—from ancient African greatness to colonial oppression, from religious lies to liberation theology. A must-read for seekers of justice, students of history, and defenders of faith rooted in freedom.We are not cursed. We are called.The Myth of the Black Ancestral Curse is a bold and revelatory work that exposes how colonial powers distorted Christian doctrine to justify the enslavement of Black people. From the Curse of Ham to papal decrees that sanctioned genocide, Norris R. McDonald, DIJ dismantles centuries of theological manipulation and calls for spiritual truth, historical clarity, and psychological healing.This book is a journey—from ancient African greatness to colonial oppression, from religious lies to liberation theology. A must-read for seekers of justice, students of history, and defenders of faith rooted in freedom. Read more

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Hear the whispers of timeless generations as this beautifully illustrated book unveils 62 hidden gems never before written.Surprising and useful, these oral traditions, have been passed down through countless generations and are still practiced in Jamaica to this day.With this amazing guide, new mothers can learn the knowledge of the ancients and instill this ancestral wisdom in raising their children.A perfect gift for all mothers new and old alike, this book is a keepsake that will nurture your family for generations to come. Read more

The Unforgettable Uprising: The Baptist WarDiscover the exciting story of the Baptist War, the biggest and most important slave rebellion in Great Britain’s Caribbean colonies. This book tells you all about the Christmas War, Sam Sharpe’s War, and the Emancipation War, explaining why it is one of the greatest slave uprisings ever.Here’s what you’ll learn:Jamaica’s Maroons: A free Afro-Jamaican community that started in slavery, won a war against the British, and stayed strong for over three hundred yearsLoyalist Preachers: How African American preachers, loyal to the king, left the American colonies and brought the Baptist faith to JamaicaPlantation Owners’ Hatred: Why Jamaican plantation owners hated Baptist missionaries and how a simple plan by a slave deacon for a sit-down strike shook the British EmpireSir Hans Sloane’s Legacy: How he used his wealth from slave-produced sugar to start the British MuseumThe Power of Reading: Why teaching slaves to read was such a big threat to the slave systemSugar’s Danger: The dangers slaves faced while making sugarPirate Henry Morgan: The story of a pirate who was supposed to be hanged but was knighted and became lieutenant governor of JamaicaBlood Sugar Movement: How a movement started by a Quaker woman led to a boycott of slave-made sugarEscape to Freedom: The tale of a slave who escaped, pretended to be white, and joined the Coldstream Guards in EnglandDive into this thrilling journey through a key moment in history Scroll up and click the “add to cart” button to uncover the untold stories of bravery, strength, and rebellion that changed the Caribbean and beyond! Read more

A sacred text to Ethiopian Christians and Jamaican Rastafarians, The Kebra Nagast tells of the relationship between King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba and their son Menyelik, who hid the Ark of the Covenant in Ethiopia. This edition of the Ethiopian text is edited by Gerald Hausman, with an introduction by Ziggy Marley. Read more

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The classic work on the history and beliefs of the Rastafarians, whose roots of protest go back to the seventeenth-century maroon societies of escaped slaves in Jamaica. Based on an extensive study of the Rastafarians, their history, their ideology, and their influence in Jamaica, The Rastafarians is an important contribution to the sociology of religion and to our knowledge of the variety of religious expressions that have grown up during the West African Diaspora in the Western Hemisphere. Read more

“It was the best of dreams, it was the worst of dreams, it was an age of consulting the nautical experts, it was the age of landlubber foolishness, it was the epoch of determination, it was the epoch of despair, it was the season of hurricanes, it was a spring of beachcombing…”If you dream about chucking it all away and sailing toward an island life, read this firstRenee and Michael didn’t have any boating experience and when their plans to remedy that fell through the two had to learn everything the hard way. Despite themselves they managed to get from Miami to Grenada, eventually dropping the anchor of their cruising catamaran at the island of their dreams. Determined to save future sailors from themselves, A Sail of Two Idiots includes lessons Renee and Michael learned and shares them with you as examples of what and what not to do. This a how-to guide wrapped in a funny story—kind of like getting your serving of vegetables from a slice of pizza. Read this and make your dream of sailing away a reality. Includes:“What Broke?” sections explores the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of a cruising multihull"Island” section provide assessments of the islands of the Caribbean Read more

This study examines childhood and slavery in Jamaica from the onset of improved conditions for the island’s slaves to the end of all forced or coerced labor throughout the British Caribbean. As Colleen A. Vasconcellos discusses the nature of child development in the plantation complex, she looks at how both colonial Jamaican society and the slave community conceived childhood—and how those ideas changed as the abolitionist movement gained power, the fortunes of planters rose and fell, and the nature of work on Jamaica’s estates evolved from slavery to apprenticeship to free labor. Vasconcellos explores the experiences of enslaved children through the lenses of family, resistance, race, status, culture, education, and freedom. In the half-century covered by her study, Jamaican planters alternately saw enslaved children as burdens or investments. At the same time, the childhood experience was shaped by the ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse slave community.Vasconcellos adds detail and meaning to these tensions by looking, for instance, at enslaved children of color, legally termed mulattos, who had unique ties to both slave and planter families. In addition, she shows how traditions, beliefs, and practices within the slave community undermined planters’ efforts to ensure a compliant workforce by instilling Christian values in enslaved children. These are just a few of the ways that Vasconcellos reveals an overlooked childhood—one that was often defined by Jamaican planters but always contested and redefined by the slaves themselves. Read more

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Explores the modern history of Latin America using an intersectional approach, newly revised and updated.A History of Modern Latin America: 1800 to the Present, Third Edition offers a lively account of the rich political, cultural, and social history of the independent nation-states of Latin America and the Caribbean. Viewing Latin American history through the lens of social class, gender, race, and ethnicity, this accessible textbook explores the complex set of personalities, issues, and events that intersect to form the Latin American historical landscape. Written in a clear and engaging narrative style, the fully updated third edition examines specific events in different nations and periods to illustrate broader historical trends and interpretations. Concise chapters feature first-hand accounts of the life history of both prominent and ordinary people to contextualize topics such as African slavery in the Americas, the struggle for Haitian independence, the patriarchal rules governing marriage in Brazil, the construction of the Panama Canal, indigenous uprisings in the Mexican Revolution, the impact of immigration on Latin American life, the opening of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba, and more. Presents documents and excerpts from fiction to serve as concrete examples of historical ideasExamines gender and its influence on political and economic change Highlights the role of music, art, sports, movies, and other popular culture in the formation of Latin American cultural identityIncludes a summary of European colonialism and an overview of Latin America in the 21st centuryProvides end-of-chapter review questions, discussion topics, and suggested readingsPart of the popular Wiley Blackwell Concise History of the Modern World series, the third edition ofA History of Modern Latin America: 1800 to the Present is an excellent textbook for introductory and intermediate undergraduate students as well as high school students taking advanced/honors Latin American history courses. Read more

Find Your Jamaican Ancestors' Records, Build Your Family Tree, and Preserve a Lasting Legacy.Struggling to trace your Jamaican ancestry and don't know how or where to start? Master your search for your ancestors' records and document your family history with this comprehensive, practical guide for beginners and experienced researchers alike.Written by a family historian and manager of online Jamaican genealogy groups, the book guides you through the complexities of Jamaican genealogy. It is packed with invaluable resources and expert strategies, tools, and insights—compiled by the author during two decades of research. You will discover:How to access and navigate the growing wealth of resources, including genealogy websites, online databases, and historical registries, archives, and libraries.Where to find and how to interpret the primary colonial and modern-era documents, such as baptism, birth, and other vital records; wills, land patents, and deeds; and immigration and emigration recordsThe value of supplementary resources, including DNA testing, newspapers, periodicals, and books, to help you fill in the gapsEssential strategies for finding your enslaved African ancestors using key sources such as plantation records and slave listsIn addition, delve into the global origins of Jamaica's ancestors and, thus, the roots of the island's multiethnic heritage, and explore the country’s compelling British colonial history of sugar and slavery, wars and rebellions, and natural disasters that shaped your ancestors' lives.Whether you live in Jamaica or the diaspora, with this indispensable guide, join the growing global community of enthusiasts dedicated to uncovering and preserving their Jamaican family history for future generations. Inspire others to do the same! Read more

The statute of limitations has run, so the story can now be told.Pirates are still out there, flintlock pistols and schooners traded for assault rifles and black-painted Zodiacs. Based on his experience as an international lawyer and pilot, Timothy Grant Acker tells a riveting tale of modern-day pirates in the unpredictable waters of the Caribbean.Juan’s crew of outcasts and thieves from various countries lived at the edge of a dusty village in Southern Haiti, not far from the Dominican Republic border. They were safe in Haiti—a country of refuge for pirates and thieves, for injustice and abuse.The village itself consisted of fewer than a hundred hovels of sticks, paper, and earth, all clustered together. The inhabitants made their living from fishing and meager farming. Their bodies were thin, and souls depressed. It was typical Haiti.The pirate’s neighborhood, though, prospered a little from the thieves’ spending. A few residents dedicated a portion of their homes to selling groceries, supplies, and light hardware, or providing their skills—a couple of seamstresses, a mechanic, and a panga boat repairman. Opportunities to buy alcohol and drugs were abundant, as were women who offered the usual services. A “policeman” was paid by Juan to guard his belongings, prevent problems, and report on everything that happened. He was always wearing the mock badge Juan once pinned on him.Pirates, Scoundrels, and Saints tells the riveting tales of modern-day pirates in the unpredictable waters of the Caribbean—not Jack Sparrow caricatures, but real men and women driven by their pasts.Juan is fiercely loyal to his crew and loves adventure, but did he bite off too much by attacking a luxury cruise ship filled with Argentina’s ruthless elites? His son, Ivan longs to build a respectable life with the beautiful daughter of a prominent Dominican Republic family, but how can he convince Ileana that he is no longer a ruthless pirate? Maria’s life fell apart when her father died at sea, but she found a new one climbing the ranks of Juan’s crew. When she’s nearly killed leading their most ambitious raid, Maria begins to regret her new life. Peter, an American expatriate, was a Catholic missionary until alcohol cost him everything. Wondering the hills of Haiti in search of redemption, he begins caring for a young lady who is recovering from a gunshot that should have killed her. Timothy Grant Acker creates an unforgettable cast that brings us into a world filled with danger and corruption, love and redemption. Read more