Abigail L. Swingen’s insightful study provides a new framework for understanding the origins of the British empire while exploring how England’s original imperial designs influenced contemporary English politics and debates about labor; economy; and overseas trade. Focusing on the ideological connections between the growth of unfree labor in the English colonies—particularly the use of enslaved Africans—and the development of British imperialism during the early modern period; the author examines the overlapping and often competing agendas of planters; merchants; privateers; colonial officials; and imperial authorities in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
#617552 in Books 2011-10-25Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.91 x .97 x 6.33l; 1.37 #File Name: 0300177984448 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Destroys the numerous myth surrounding this issue; especially the one about the "golden age" of Muslim toleranceBy Henry KadochFor those willing to actually take the time and make the effort to understand the truth about Muslim-Jewish relations throughout history; here's the place to find it.The bottom line...there has never been a 'golden age' of tolerance and brotherhood; rather there have been times when Jews were less oppressed and persecuted in Muslim nations; but the real big-picture this book shows is that Muslims got used to having very valuable and productive Jews among them for a very long time; despite the oppression; theft; and abuse; in order to exploit them and take their lives and property basically whenever they wished; to use them as scapegoats for whatever 'tragedy' befell them (for example; the French invasion of Morocco); and more importantly; they got used to Jews being subservient to them for hundreds of years. Thus the great hate and envy they still harbor; now that the Jews are free and they no longer have the benefits of having them in their countries.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Unusual topic; extraordinary bookBy EarlBThe subject is not often touched upon; but it has never been set out so well. From the beginnings of Islam to the Mediaeval period; to the rise of Zionism and the emigration of Jews from Arab lands during the Arab-Israeli conflict; the book covers a lot; and is done so fairly well. Though it is depressing in some points to see the brutality with which Jews were treated; there is a significant deal of coverage in the many countries and periods involved.I am of the opinion that more depth could have been giving to mediaeval period; and perhaps a little more in descriptions of industrial and economic proportions throughout the 1400 years and all the countries the book covers.Martin Gilbert is a prolific writer; and this book is no exception in his eighty-plus bestselling books.Overall I recommend this book if you are widely interested in the subject. Perhaps borrow it from a library/friend first to see if you like it.6 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating story of the Jews in Arab landsBy Strider4This is much ignored topic: the fate of the large Jewish population; going back to antiquity; in the Arab/Muslim lands plus Iran and Turkey;in the Middle East. Sir Martin Gilbert is a prolific writer on Jewish history; especially on the Holocaust. I find his writing balanced; credible; full of factual backup; yet not pedantic or obscure. While he discusses many positive aspects of the Jewish presence throughout history in this area; he especially focuses on the persecution; religious bigotry; and mass expulsions and threats that resulted in the virtually total disappearance of Jews from Arab countries. This provides contrast to the Palestinian claims for redress to their similar number of refugees from Israel since 1948. Gilbert's scope is vast; but his account of the plight of Arab Jews within Muslim lands during and since W.W.II is especially poignant. Their rescue and re-gathering in Israel is also moving. No compensation has ever been offered. Thoroughly recommended; I have given it as gifts to friends.
