Antigua and Barbuda / Special Interests / Recommended reading

With its longstanding British connection as a naval and military outpost, plenty has been written about Antigua. The leading historian in recent times has been Desmond Nicholson, who has written a huge amount about the island, particularly about Nelson’s Dockyard, which he was instrumental in restoring.

There is an excellent booklet on Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour, The First 2000 Years, written by Desmond Nicholson and published by the Dockyard itself.  Some of his other publications include The Story of English Harbour, Antigua and Barbuda Forts , Story of the Arawaks in Antigua  and Barbuda and Heritage Landmarks, Antigua and Barbuda.

The Map Shop in St John’s publishes a number of books about Antiguans and their history, including To Shoot Hard Labour, by Keith Smith, about the life and memories of an Antiguan whose grandmother was a slave.

Modern Antiguan authors include Jamaica Kincaid  (though she has lived for many years in the States). Her books include Annie John , A Small Place  and At the Bottom of the River.