PDF The First Rasta: Leonard Howell and the Rise of Rastafarianism by Hélène Lee in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Wonderful Look At Modern JamaicaBy ChimonshoThe first Rasta! The subject promises readers a thrilling ride; and Lee does not disappoint. Other major figures associated with Rastafari (Haile Selassie; Marcus Garvey; Bob Marley) are well-known and documented; but Lee had to dig deep into Jamaican communities and memories for a full biography. Frequent personal anecdotes are quite relevant to research founded on oral history and the trust of informants. Lee describes Howell's path to Rastafarianism; along with plenty of Jamaican social and political history. Interestingly; Howell spent many years as a Hindu; and many more womanizing; both signaling his marked charisma. Perhaps not all details are reliable (e.g. England captured Jamaica in 1655; not 1665); but the overall patterns are clear. Rastafari responds to Afro-Jamaicans' sense of oppression and marginalization; founded in slavery and sustained through emancipation and independence. This is apparent in mainstream disapproval and longstanding conflicts with authorities; not least because marijuana use is a key sacrament. Despite many parallels with other religions of the oppressed (cf. V. Lanternari on this subject); Rastafari earns wider appeal---not always from the devout; but among hedonist lovers of ganja and reggae. All the more reason to recommend this lively book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. THIS BOOK IS NOT ABOUT BOB MARLEY BUT ABOUT MY ...By fay richards-smithTHIS BOOK IS NOT ABOUT BOB MARLEY BUT ABOUT MY DEAR UNCLE--LEONARD PERCIVAL HOWELL-- THE FIRST RASTA AND THE FOUNDING FATHER OF RASTAFARI.THE FRENCH WRITER--HELENE LEE IS A PERSONAL FRIEND OF MINE AND OF THE HOWELL FAMILY. THE BOOK IS WELL WRITTEN AND VERY FACTUAL. EVERY RASTAFARIAN; FOLLOWER; BELIEVER AND ESPECIALLY THE HOWELL'S SHOULD READ THIS BOOK AND VISIT PINNACLE IN JAMAICA W. I.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Mz SugaVery good book; I learn a lot things I didn't know from this book.