Synopses & Reviews
"This book on Trinidad and Tobago's historical development fills the gaps and seeks to correct the narrative in Eric William's
History of the People of Trinidad and Tobago. . . . Perhaps the most significant contribution the book makes is that it puts William's epic battle for Chaguaramus into context, and it challenges his interpretation of that pivotal interlude in Trinidad's history."
-New West Indian Guide "Creatively researched, daringly interpreted, and beautifully written. . . . Offers an original, unexpected, and nuanced story. . . . Will be placed alongside important cultural histories of US imperialism and should be widely read both among and beyond its natural audience in Caribbean history."
-Caribbean Studies "Energetically employs the new perspectives that have influenced international relations scholarship in recent years."
-- Latin American Research Review "An important book in the international history of the Caribbean."
--Estudios Interdisciplanarios de America Latina y El Caribe "[A] detailed and perceptive account of the important cultural and political awakenings that Trinidad experienced in the 1930s and 1940s."
-- Journal of Latin American Studies "[A] delightful cultural history."
-- American Historical Review "A refreshing, original, and important work on a formative though largely forgotten episode in the history of two nations. . . . Enthusiastically recommended. . . . Essential."
-- CHOICE "Engaging. . . . Caliban and the Yankees should be read by a wide audience for its erudition, lively prose, and deft unearthing of the cultural complexities that can develop when U.S. foreign troops step on friendly foreign ground."
-- Journal of American History Rich in detail, persuasive in its arguments, and balanced in tone, this is a major contribution to the historiography of Trinidad and Tobago.
--Colin A. Palmer, Princeton University This richly textured study of the forgotten American occupation of Trinidad during World War II packs a powerful wallop. . . .Caliban and the Yankees brims with new ideas for studying the American Century as it was lived in the interstices of empire.
--Gil Joseph, Yale University It is a well-researched and original work which takes the cultural studies approach to its subject.
Bridget Brereton, University of the West Indies
Review
It is a well-researched and original work which takes the cultural studies approach to its subject.
Bridget Brereton, University of the West Indies
Review
"[A] delightful cultural history."
-- American Historical Review
Review
Rich in detail, persuasive in its arguments, and balanced in tone, this is a major contribution to the historiography of Trinidad and Tobago.
--Colin A. Palmer, Princeton University
Review
"[A] detailed and perceptive account of the important cultural and political awakenings that Trinidad experienced in the 1930s and 1940s."
-- Journal of Latin American Studies
Review
"A refreshing, original, and important work on a formative though largely forgotten episode in the history of two nations. . . . Enthusiastically recommended. . . . Essential."
-- CHOICE
Review
"Engaging. . . .
Caliban and the Yankees should be read by a wide audience for its erudition, lively prose, and deft unearthing of the cultural complexities that can develop when U.S. foreign troops step on friendly foreign ground."
-- Journal of American History
Review
"Creatively researched, daringly interpreted, and beautifully written. . . . Offers an original, unexpected, and nuanced story. . . . Will be placed alongside important cultural histories of US imperialism and should be widely read both among and beyond its natural audience in Caribbean history."
-Caribbean Studies
Review
This richly textured study of the forgotten American occupation of Trinidad during World War II packs a powerful wallop. . . .
Caliban and the Yankees brims with new ideas for studying the American Century as it was lived in the interstices of empire.
--Gil Joseph, Yale University
Synopsis
In a compelling story of the installation and operation of U.S. bases in the Caribbean colony of Trinidad during World War II, Harvey Neptune examines how the people of this British island contended with the colossal force of American empire-building at a critical time in the island's history. He explores the military-based economy, relationships between U.S. servicemen and Trinidadian women, and the influence of American culture on local music (especially calypso), fashion, labor practices, and everyday racial politics. Neptune also places this history of Trinidad's modern times into a wider Caribbean and Latin American perspective, highlighting how Caribbean peoples sometimes wield "America" and "American ways" as part of their localized struggles.
Synopsis
In a compelling story of the installation and operation of U.S. bases in the Caribbean colony of Trinidad during World War II, Harvey Neptune examines how the people of this British island contended with the colossal force of American empire-building.
About the Author
Harvey R. Neptune is assistant professor of history at Temple University.
Table of Contents
Contents Introduction. A Brave New World
Chapter 1. The Turbulent Thirties: Shaking Empire, Making Nation
Chapter 2. The American Preoccupation: Assessing the United States before the War
Chapter 3. Laboring over the Yankee Dollar: Work in Occupied Trinidad
Chapter 4. From Barefooted Men to Saga Boys: Gender, Class, and Clothes in Occupied Trinidad
Chapter 5. Yankees in the Land of the Calypso: Promoting and Patronizing Trinidadian Nationality
Chapter 6. Love American Style: Race, Gender, and Sexuality in Occupied Trinidad
Coda. Re-Membering Caliban and the Yankees: The Politics of History
Notes
Bibliography
Index