Gwyn Campbell Libri

This book offers an in-depth exploration of Madagascar's economic history before colonial influence, examining trade systems, agricultural practices, and the impact of local resources on societal development. It delves into the intricate relationships between various ethnic groups and their economic interactions, shedding light on the island's unique cultural and historical context. By analyzing archaeological findings and historical records, the author provides a nuanced understanding of how pre-colonial economies shaped Madagascar's identity.

Focusing on human-environment interactions, the book delves into Africa's connections with the Indian Ocean world from ancient times through 1900. It presents a fresh historical perspective that highlights the significant cultural, economic, and ecological exchanges that shaped these interactions over centuries.

Focusing on the issue of debt bondage, this collection of essays presents case studies that examine its implications within the context of a globalized economy. It explores the effects of increased commercialization, as well as the historical and contemporary influences of colonial and post-colonial societies, particularly in emerging economies. The volume provides a critical analysis of how these factors intertwine to shape the experience of debt bondage today.

The book delves into the experiences of around one hundred young individuals from Madagascar, who were sent to Britain for training after a treaty with King Radama in 1820. It highlights their journeys, the cultural exchanges that occurred, and their significant influence on Malagasy-British relations, as well as the modernization efforts in Madagascar. Through this exploration, the narrative uncovers a crucial yet overlooked chapter in the history of both nations.

Exploring the intricate economic landscape of pre-colonial Madagascar, this book delves into the island's trade networks, agricultural practices, and social structures. It highlights the interactions between various communities and the impact of geography on economic development. By examining historical records and archaeological findings, the author sheds light on the diverse economic activities that shaped Madagascar before colonial influence, offering a nuanced understanding of its rich history and cultural heritage.

Focusing on the untold stories of around one hundred young Malagasy individuals, this book delves into their training abroad after a treaty with King Radama in 1820. It explores their experiences and the profound influence they had on Malagasy-British relations, as well as the modernization efforts in Madagascar. Through their journeys, the book highlights a pivotal yet overlooked chapter in history that shaped the cultural and political landscape of both nations.

Robert Lyall's life intertwines medicine, botany, and politics against a backdrop of radical change. Born during the French Revolution in Scotland, he studied medicine across Europe and became a vocal advocate for liberalism. His role as British Resident Agent in Madagascar faced challenges as he navigated local politics and cultural tensions, ultimately leading to conflict with Queen Ranavalona I. Accused of sorcery and forced to leave, Lyall's story ends in Mauritius, where he succumbed to malaria, highlighting the complexities of colonial encounters and personal ambition.

Through the lens of human-environment interaction, Gwyn Campbell studies Africa's relations with the Indian Ocean world (IOW) from early times up to 1900. In so doing, Campbell radically challenges Eurocentric temporal, spatial and thematic paradigms, and lays the foundations for a new historical interpretation of the IOW.

This volume comprises a selection of essays by scholars from a variety of disciplines that discuss the exchange relationship between Africa and the wider Indian Ocean world (IOW), a macro-region running from East Africa to China, from early times to about 1300 CE. The rationale for regarding this macro-region as a “world” is the central significance of the monsoon system which facilitated the early emergence of long-distance trans-IOW maritime exchange of commodities, peoples, plants, animals, technologies and ideas.