Ireland, Slavery and the Caribbean: Interdisciplinary Perspectives

Ireland, Slavery, and the Caribbean is a collection of essays that explores the complex relationships between Ireland, slavery, and the Caribbean from 1620-1830, challenging how slavery made the Atlantic world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 392 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2023
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This captivating collection of essays delves into the intricate and groundbreaking realm of Ireland, slavery, and the Caribbean, offering a multi-faceted and interdisciplinary exploration spanning from 1620 to 1830. Rooted in historical context, it brings together perspectives from art historians, architectural and landscape historians, and literary scholars, resulting in a truly interdisciplinary compilation that sheds light on the high point of European colonialism. Through a comprehensive examination of imperial, national, and familial relationships, this collection uncovers fresh avenues to reimagine and challenge the profound impact of slavery on the Atlantic world.

The essays in this collection explore the complex and interconnected relationships between Ireland, slavery, and the Caribbean, spanning from 1620 to 1830. Drawing from a range of historical disciplines, including art history, architectural history, landscape history, and literary studies, the collection offers a multi-faceted and interdisciplinary perspective on this period. By examining the foundations of plantation, migration, property, and trade, the essays shed light on the ways in which slavery shaped the Atlantic world and explore new avenues for reimagining and challenging its legacy.

The first essay in the collection, titled "Slavery and the Irish Atlantic," explores the historical relationship between Ireland and the slave trade. It examines the role of Irish merchants and landowners in the trade, the impact of slavery on Irish society, and the ways in which enslaved people were integrated into Irish households and communities. The essay also explores the complex and often conflicting attitudes towards slavery among Irish people, including those who supported it and those who opposed it.

The second essay, titled "Slavery and the Caribbean Landscape," examines the physical landscape of the Caribbean as a result of slavery. It explores the construction of plantations, the development of agricultural practices, and the impact of slavery on the natural environment and indigenous communities. The essay also considers the ways in which the landscape has been preserved and commemorated, and the challenges faced by those who seek to reclaim and preserve it.

The third essay, titled "Slavery and the Irish Family," explores the familial relationships that were formed as a result of slavery. It examines the ways in which enslaved people were integrated into Irish households and communities, the challenges faced by enslaved women and children, and the ways in which these relationships shaped the lives of both enslaved and free people. The essay also considers the legacy of slavery on Irish families and the ways in which it has been remembered and commemorated.

The fourth essay, titled "Slavery and the Irish Imagination," explores the ways in which slavery has been represented and imagined in Irish literature and culture. It examines the role of slavery in Irish folklore, the ways in which it has been used as a metaphor for social and political oppression, and the ways in which it has been challenged and subverted by writers and artists. The essay also considers the ways in which the legacy of slavery continues to shape Irish literature and culture today.

The fifth essay, titled "Slavery and the Caribbean Diaspora," explores the ways in which enslaved people and their descendants have migrated and dispersed throughout the Caribbean and beyond. It examines the experiences of enslaved people during their journey, the challenges they faced, and the ways in which they have adapted and transformed their cultures in new environments. The essay also considers the ways in which the Caribbean diaspora has contributed to the development of global cultures and economies.

In conclusion, Ireland, slavery, and the Caribbean is a groundbreaking collection of essays that offers a multi-faceted and interdisciplinary exploration of the complex and interconnected relationships between Ireland, slavery, and the Caribbean. By examining the foundations of plantation, migration, property, and trade, the essays shed light on the ways in which slavery shaped the Atlantic world and explore new avenues for reimagining and challenging its legacy. The collection is a valuable resource for scholars and students of history, literature, and culture, and it contributes to our understanding of the complex and multifaceted history of the region.

Weight: 946g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526150998