The English in the West Indies; Or, The Bow of Ulysses

In this vivid travelogue the author journeys through the Caribbean colonies, sketching both the landscapes and the conversations that shape everyday life. Drawing on personal sketches and on‑the‑ground interviews, he offers a clear‑eyed portrait of the islands' societies, economies, and the lingering imprint of British rule. His straightforward prose lets listeners hear the voices of plantation owners, merchants, and ordinary citizens without the filter of overt polemic.

The book then turns to the pressing political questions of the late nineteenth century: should the West Indian territories remain loosely attached to the Empire or move toward a unified federation? By comparing the experiences of larger self‑governing colonies with those of the smaller islands, the author examines how ideas of self‑government, race, and loyalty intersect. Listeners will gain a nuanced sense of the hopes, anxieties, and debates that animated the Caribbean as it grappled with identity and empire.