Henry Smeathman, the Flycatcher: Natural History, Slavery, and Empire in the Late Eighteenth Century

In 1771, Joseph Banks and other wealthy collectors sent Henry Smeathman to Sierra Leone to collect rare and curious items, including moths and monkeys. The expedition lasted four years and resulted in the building of a house on the Banana Islands, marriage into the ruling dynasties, and the negotiation of a tricky life as a 'stranger bound to his landlord and local customs'. Coleman's book explores the close connection between science and slavery, as well as the hardening of Smeathman's attitude towards the slaves, which was later reversed by four years in the West Indies. The book concludes with Smeathman returning to London as a celebrated termite specialist, eager to return to West Africa to establish a free, antislavery settlement.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 11 June 2018
Publisher: Liverpool University Press

In 1771, a remarkable expedition was launched by a group of wealthy collectors, including the renowned naturalist Joseph Banks, with the aim of gathering all the rare and curious specimens from Sierra Leone. The expedition was led by Henry Smeathman, a self-taught naturalist with a passion for exploration. Smeathman's journey to the West African coast, which coincided with a significant increase in British slave trading in the region, lasted four years. During this time, he not only built a house on the Banana Islands but also married into the ruling dynasties of the coast. He navigated the complex and often treacherous life of a "stranger bound to his landlord and local customs."

This captivating book, which draws upon a rich and previously overlooked archive of journals and letters, offers a detailed account of Smeathman's life as he shuttled between his home on the Bananas and two key Liverpool trading forts: Bunce Island and the Isles de Los. The book delves into the logistical challenges of tropical collecting and the intricate process of dispatching specimens across the treacherous middle passage. It sheds light on the close connection between science and slavery, highlighting the role played by enslaved individuals in scientific research and exploration.

As Smeathman's expedition progressed, his attitude towards the slaves began to harden. However, this change of sentiment was eventually reversed after four years spent in the West Indies. The experiences he had in the Caribbean had a profound impact on him, leading him to develop a deeper understanding and compassion for the enslaved people. Upon his return to London, Smeathman became a celebrated termite specialist. He was eager to return to West Africa and establish a free, antislavery settlement.

The book concludes with Smeathman's return to London, where he is welcomed as a hero. He is celebrated for his contributions to science, his bravery in the face of adversity, and his unwavering commitment to the abolition of slavery. Smeathman's journey serves as a testament to the power of human curiosity, determination, and compassion, and his legacy continues to inspire generations to come.

Weight: 832g
Dimension: 175 x 241 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786940537