The West Indies

Focusing on the historical geography of the West Indies, this comprehensive study examines the drastic decline of the indigenous population, the rise of plantation agriculture, and the introduction of African slavery. Dr. Watts highlights the shift from an early European perception of abundance to a recognition of the region's ecological vulnerability. The analysis underscores how colonial agricultural practices have failed to adapt to environmental realities, supported by a wide range of historical, biological, and literary sources, establishing it as a definitive work on the topic.