An Account Of The Botanic Garden In The Island Of St Vincent

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Joseph Banks is one of the most significant figures of the English Enlightenment. This book places his work in promoting 'imperial science', in the context of the consolidation of the British State during a time of extraordinary upheaval. The American, French and Industrial Revolutions unleashed intense and dramatic change, placing growing pressure on the British state and increasing its need for expert advice on scientific matters. This was largely provided by Banks, who used his personal networks and systems of patronage to integrate scientific concerns with the complex machinery of government. In this book, originally published in 1998, Gascoigne skilfully draws out the rich detail of Banks' life within the broader political framework, and shows how imperial concerns prompted interest in the possible uses of science for economic and strategic gain. This is an important examination of the British State during a time of change and upheaval.

Charles Shephard, a legal officer of the island of Saint Vincent, made no attempt at objectivity in his account of the great 1795 Carib rebellion, this book being dedicated to the British survivors. But having had access to several contemporary diaries and having interviewed survivors, he was able to correct and expand the narratives of Bryan Edwards and Dr Coke, making this work the most detailed account of the overthrow of a unique people.

For review see: Roderick A. McDonald, in The economic historic review : a journal of economic and social history, vol. 44, no. 4 (November 1991); p. 765-766.