Author: Bridges, Rev. George Wilson
Title: The Annals of Jamaica Vol. I of 2 Only
Description: John Murray, 1827. Hardcover. Vol.1 only of 2 of the rare 1st Edition. First Edition, First Issue, dated 1827. One of the best known histories of a Caribbean island.The book was taken off the market by court order following action brought against the publisher concerning Volume 2 by two free persons of color, Lescesne and Escoffery, who had been deported from Jamaica unjustly, because of the libel it contained on them. (Ragatz) Bridges' history provides information on Jamaica from the earliest times to 1826, including chapters on the British administration and slavery. The second volume was dated 1828(?). This volume of xix+604 pages contains a long appendix on the History of Slavery. Bookplate of Mabel Nembhard (author of several articles in the publication 'Caribbeana', published around 1914-16. The original Jamaican Nembhard was Dr John Nembhard (1711-1777).I quote Mabel: 'according to family tradition Dr. Nembhard was Dutch and descended from a famous general; some say he was a natural son of Prince Eugene of Savoy, who certainly was at The Hague from Nov. 1710 to Jan. 1711.' Dr John developed the Konigsberg estate in St Mary's, Jamaica, and made a considerable fortune. The Jamaican estates stayed in the family until the 1830's, but were then sold at low prices as sugar prices collapsed and the use of slave labour became illegal.The Nembhards mostly returned to England). Book clean, tight in half leather with gilt ornate raised bands; titling labels missing. Endpapers marbled and no other marks or signatues. A very few spots of foxing. Though only one volume this first edition first issue very rare especialy in this condition. . Very Good

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