Eric Williams and the making of the modern Caribbean

by Colin A. Palmer

"Born in Trinidad, Eric Williams (1911-81) founded the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago's first modern political party in 1956, led the country's movement for independence from the British culminating in 1962, and became the nation's first prime minister. Before entering politics, he earned a doctorate from Oxford University, was a professor at Howard University, and wrote several books, including the classic Capitalism and Slavery. A fierce anticolonialist, Williams shared his love of learning in passionate outdoor lectures that drew crowds in the thousands when he returned to Trinidad. Drawing from extensive archival sources, including newly available British documents, Colin Palmer provides the first scholarly biography of Williams. Palmer's insights into Williams's personality help to illuminate his life as a scholar and politician and his tremendous influence on the historiography and politics of the Caribbean."--Jacket.