Wiley-Blackwell Perspectives on the Caribbean: A Reader in Culture, History, and Representation (Global Perspectives)

Through a comprehensive selection of classic and contemporary interdisciplinary readings, Perspectives on the Caribbean: A Reader in Culture, History and Representation presents a variety of viewpoints to further our understanding of life and culture in the Caribbean: Highlights the major concepts and debates in the anthropology and history of the Caribbean, including its unique Anglo, French, and Hispanic communities Provides  multidisciplinary perspectives on Caribbean society that show the connections between its vibrant cultural forms, political economy, and tumultuous history Features section introductions that put readings in context, with lists of additional suggested readings for further study Offers an overview of the strong traditions of art, literature, music, dance, and architecture in the Caribbean Outlines the key research in Caribbean studies from history, anthropology, sociology, linguistics, and folklore, examining classic ethnographies as well as new scholarship Review "Perspectives on the Caribbean: A Reader in Culture, History and Representation boasts a somewhat wide-reaching and impressive endeavor in its title, but actually manages to live up to its name. The text, edited and introduced by Philip Scher, is composed of a collection of scholarly articles by various authors covering topics concerning the contemporary Caribbean, all of which merit serious attention, particularly by anyone pursuing an academic interest in the region. . . Nonetheless, this book serves as a useful key to unraveling and appreciating the folklore and literature of the Caribbean." (Journal of Folklore Research, 9 June 2011) "Authors from different disciplines present their own view of the Caribbean without implementing a stringent frame offers a wide range of insights into the hybridity of Caribbean ideas and topics." (Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute, 2010) Review "Genuflecting to no tired metaphors, this is a refreshing collection of cross-disciplinary voices that compel new ways of seeing and thinking about the still undiscovered Caribbean" –Patricia Mohammed, University of the West Indies, St Augustine From the Inside Flap Presenting a broad understanding of the complex region of the Caribbean, Perspectives on the Caribbean: A Reader in Culture, History, a[HG1]  nd Representation provides a variety of viewpoints on the rich spectrum of Caribbean culture. Essays, carefully chosen from a vast body of existing literature, expose readers to a variety of approaches, voices and topics that have emerged in Caribbean studies. Readings are interdisciplinary in nature and integrate themes from history, folklore, sociology, anthropology and political economy. Both contemporary viewpoints and classic readings reveal how the Caribbean has led scholars to new ways of exploring cultural hybridity in contemporary society. Each section includes brief introductions to put the readings in context with the connections between modern Caribbean culture and its historical roots, and also includes suggested readings for more in-depth study. Perspectives on the Caribbean offers revealing insights into one of the most diverse and complex regions in the Americas.   From the Back Cover Presenting a broad understanding of the complex region of the Caribbean, Perspectives on the Caribbean: A Reader in Culture, History, a[HG1]  nd Representation provides a variety of viewpoints on the rich spectrum of Caribbean culture. Essays, carefully chosen from a vast body of existing literature, expose readers to a variety of approaches, voices and topics that have emerged in Caribbean studies. Readings are interdisciplinary in nature and integrate themes from history, folklore, sociology, anthropology and political economy. Both contemporary viewpoints and classic readings reveal how the Caribbean has led scholars to new ways of exploring cultural hybridity in contemporary society.