The Cruise of the Port Kingston

xxxii, 352pp, with two photogravure plates (the frontispiece tissue-guarded), two colour plates, a map and numerous black and white plate illustrations. In red cloth-covered boards with gilt motif and lettering. Top edge gilt, all others deckled. 8vo. Boards somewhat rubbed and rounded at corners and spine ends, lightly faded over spine. Previous owner’s name, dated 1908, on front free endpaper; endpapers lightly toned with a little foxing affecting first and last few pages. Tissue guard toned and creased. Front hinge cracked. A substantial and early work on Jamaica and its history. The author was part of a party of British politicians, investors and land owners who visited Jamaica in the late 19th century, who subsequently wrote one of the first books genuinely seeking to understand the island’s culture and how its African population lived after the abolition of slavery, which is described in detail, together with the major, devastating earthquake of 1907. With sections (some now likely containing messages that some may find offensive) on slavery in Jamaica, Negro Proverbs, Native Women, the Spirit Life of the Native (including the legend of Diablesse, Obehism and a Voodoo Cannibalistic Feast) etc. Hard to find title. Insightful on the East Indian population in the West Indies as well as sugar and cotton production.