Ordinary People, Extraordinary Times: Living the British Empire in Jamaica, 1756

In October 1756, Sarah Folkes wrote a letter to her children from Jamaica, one of 350 that were never delivered due to an act of war. Sheryllynne Haggerty's study of these letters reveals the everyday lives of poor and middling whites, free people of color, and enslaved people in mid-eighteenth-century Jamaica, highlighting modern concerns such as money, survival, family squabbles, and consumerism. The letters also provide insight into the impact of British colonialism on the island, which was a violent and materialistic place dominated by slavery.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2023
Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press

In October of 1756, Sarah Folkes penned a heartfelt letter to her children back in London, from the vibrant island of Jamaica. However, her message never reached its intended destination due to the tragic circumstances of war. Today, this letter, along with around 350 others, remains preserved in the National Archives in London, serving as a poignant testament to the lives of ordinary people during extraordinary times.

In her captivating book, Ordinary People, Extraordinary Times, Sheryllynne Haggerty delves deeply into this collection of correspondence, offering a profound exploration of the lives of poor and middling whites, free people of color, and enslaved individuals in mid-eighteenth-century Jamaica. This unique cache of letters sheds light on the thoughts, behaviors, and experiences of these diverse groups, revealing a modernity that is often surprising. From concerns over financial stability to navigating the challenges of a war-torn world, the letters paint a vivid picture of the everyday struggles and aspirations of ordinary people.

What makes this study particularly remarkable is its focus on microhistory, providing a detailed and intimate glimpse into the lives of ordinary individuals. Through the letters, readers are transported to a world where money, survival, family disputes, poor physical and mental health, and a longing for fashionable consumer goods were all central concerns. The letters also offer a poignant window into the impact of British colonialism on the island, highlighting the violent, cruel, and materialistic nature of a society dominated by slavery. It is evident that the onset of the Seven Years War further exacerbated the precariousness of enslaved peoples' lives, emphasizing the complex and interconnected web of factors that shaped their existence.

While Jamaica may have been considered Britains Caribbean jewel, its society was characterized by heterogeneity and fractures along racial and socioeconomic lines. Haggerty's book paints a vivid picture of daily life in Jamaica, showcasing the diverse experiences and perspectives of these ordinary people within the broader context of transatlantic slavery, war, and the eighteenth-century British Empire. It is a rare study that offers a profound understanding of the complexities and nuances of colonialism and its enduring impact on societies.

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Times is a testament to the power of historical inquiry and the importance of preserving the stories of ordinary individuals. It reminds us that history is not just about grand narratives and monumental events but also about the lives of ordinary people, their struggles, and their triumphs. Through the letters in this collection, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the past and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Weight: 670g
Dimension: 163 x 236 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780228018513