The History Of African and Caribbean Communities in Britain

By Author / Illustrator

Hakim Adi

Genre

Adventure

Age range(s)

Publisher

Hachette Children's Group

ISBN

9781526317971

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

22-10-2020

Synopsis

Discover the fascinating history of African and Caribbean communities in Britain, from pre-Roman times to the 21st Century.

Newly updated, The History of African and Caribbean Communities in Britain explores why people came to Britain, the problems they faced and the contributions these communities have made to British society.

Brought to life with case studies and rarely published photographs, this is an opportunity to get up close to the experiences and vital impact African and Caribbean people have had in Britain. Meet pioneers such as Olaudah Equiano and Phyllis Wheatley and find out why African and Caribbean communities have been fundamental to Britain's success on the world stage.

Written by British historian and academic Prof. Hakim Adi, a specialist on the history of Africa and the African diaspora, this book is essential reading for children aged 11+ and anyone interested in learning about the history of these communities in Britain.

Reviews

The History of African and Caribbean Communities in Britain by Hakim is an important and timely re-edition. Beginning with the earliest known Africans in Britain and moving onto the triangular trade and eventually World War Two and beyond, this book shows how and why African and Caribbean people came to Britain, the problems they faced and the lasting positive contribution they made to society.

As well as a general history split into sub-sections, there are fascinating case studies of prominent Africans. I wasn't aware of the 'celebrity' of some Black servants in eighteenth century Britain - Phyllis Wheatley, for example, who had a collection of poems published and was the first Black person to have their writing published in Britain. George Bridgewater was another former servant and ex-slave, who found fame as a Violinist and composer and was employed by the Prince of Wales, later George VI.

There are some names in the book that may be familiar to readers - Olaudah Equiano, the famous African abolitionist, is one and the case study of him is an excellent introduction to his life and work. Other notable (but perhaps lesser known) figures are mentioned more fleetingly - Daniel Tull, the former Spurs' player and First World War officer being one. His story is a truly remarkable one and hopefully the introduction to people like him that this book provides will encourage further reading.

The format of the book is clear and accessible and the many images - often deeply affecting - support and enhance the text. There is also an extremely useful glossary and further information section at the end of the book. This is a clear, concise and easily readable resource that should be in all schools and libraries.

48 pages / Ages 8+ / Reviewed by Clare Wilkins, school librarian