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Peter Hitchen's Two New Books

Education and Multi-Cultural Cohesion in the Caribbean: the Case of Belize 1931 -1981

Paperback @ £17.35      Hardback @ £16.52     Reviews: Dr. Peter Hitchen’s Education and Multi-Cultural Cohesion in the Caribbean: The Case of Belize, 1931-1981 presents an interesting perspective on the history of Belize and its peoples. To better understand the significance of this thesis I did a search on Amazon for other history books on the subject of the Caribbean and in particular Belize. Needless to say I found little that the public can easily obtain and I found this a bit disturbing. Every person, in every country, has the right to have their history recorded and easily accessible, especially in this day and age with the power of the Internet available to nearly everyone.
Taking this into account the information presented in Dr. Hitchen’s book is invaluable to anyone researching the history of the Caribbean or in particular Belize. In fact, there is so much information presented that this reviewer found it hard to digest it all (the book is 458 pages).
Education and Multi-Cultural Cohesion in the Caribbean begins by referencing events between 1838 -1931 to help build historical context for the events following 1931. Thereafter the era between 1931 and 1981 is focused on, bringing into forefront the effects of the lacking education system, conflict between church and state, the impact of “The Great Hurricane” of 1931, and finally the independence of Belize. What I found most interesting is the inclusion of excerpts from actual interviews Dr. Hitchen has conducted with citizens of Belize. This adds a touch of humanity beyond the typical historical book and helps to bring to life the history of Belize.
However, it is important to note that the level of writing demands a good vocabulary, Dr. Hitchen has included a glossary for the more obscure terms, and the complexity of the writing demands patience in sifting through the wealth of information presented. And I do believe this thesis is best suited to the college and graduate level student. But don’t let this stop you from exploring the book if you have an interest in Belize, just be aware that you are purchasing a doctoral thesis and not a high school history book.
With the wealth of information contained in this thesis, the quality of writing, and presentation this reviewer has given the book five stars in nearly every category. If you have an interest in the history of the Caribbean or Belize then this book is well worth the investment.

Click here for Gloomwing Review by DAVID HOFFMAN .

          

Labour Control in Belize, Jamaica and the United States of America: History Dissertation Prizewinner

 Paperback @ £8.24       Hardback @ £11.52    

  The award winning thesis focussed on Post-Emancipation systems of labour control using a comparative analysis of the United States, from 1865 to 'Redemption’ in 1877, & the British Caribbean colonies of Belize & Jamaica, from Emancipation in 1838 until Crown Colony rule, 1871 for Belize, & 1866 for Jamaica.

Review: This is a dissertation by Dr. Peter Hitchen, Professor of North American history in the Department of Humanities at the University of Central Lancashire. It examines the role of slavery as utilized in the mahogany harvest of Belize (British Honduras) and the sugar plantations of Jamaica, both dating from 1830, and the plantation system of the southern United States. Inherent in Hitchen’s dissertation is reaffirmation of the golden rule: “He who has the gold, makes the rules,” for it is demonstrated that neither an act of Parliament nor a Civil War could change the fundamental economics of the slavery system. Those who retained power, whether through property ownership, wealth, education, or other form of control, dictated the labour control system. Slaves, although freed, remained dependent upon the power holders for their very survival so were free in name only. They continued as indentured servants long after being granted their “freedom.”

Dr. Hitchen’s dissertation is flawless, from his presentation to his footnotes to his extensive bibliography. It should be required reading for anyone studying the issue of slavery. It is rated a five in all categories. But more significant than this reviewer’s comments are those of the following peers, experts in the area of study undertaken by Dr. Hitchen: “The highest rated dissertation. Admired for its ambition, soundness, sophistication, and key concepts. No more to add, except, well done.” Dr. Keith Vernon and Dr. John Manley, University of Central Lancashire. Click here for Gloomwing  review by Steven M. Ulmen

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Also by Peter Hitchen

Key Issues in the American Saga: The Quest for Freedom

  Paperback @ £7.81             Hardback @ 13.78   

     Peter Hitchen's award winning dissertation and 8 other articles skilfully examine many of the principal issues concerning the American quest for freedom in dialectical response to its own institutions.

The dissertation offers a fascinating insight into the forces that shaped post-emancipation race issues within the United States of America and the old British Empire. Whilst essay topics include the War of Independence, Indian allotment, African Americans, the Civil War, Vietnam and Civil Rights. A valuable reader for the student and equally of interest to those looking for introductory issues to many important facets of US history from the 18th to the 20th century.

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    Key Issues of the Past: An English Social History Reader

Paperback @ £7.15          Hardback @ £12.92  

   A collection of 11 essays on English History. A valuable reader for Undergraduate & High School students and all those looking for surveys to many important facets of English history from the 14th to the 20th century. Topics include the Glorious revolution, the peasant's revolt, Lancashire seaside developments, the garden city movement, revolutionary England, and the rise of BBC radio entertainment.

 “Excellent, sharp and relevant. A lot of ground covered economically. Some nice flashes of wit”. Prof. Dave Russell

“An excellent piece of work, thoroughly researched with perceptive observations”. Evelyn O’Connor

“Excellent study. Very good eye for detail and reading between the lines”. Dr. Keith Vernon

“This is  super. It is lively, relevant and fascinating to read. Excellent bibliographical references”. Dr.  Anne Brownlow

e-mail the author?Dr Peter Hitchen                                  

Peter Hitchen was born in Blackpool, Lancashire, England. He received his Doctorate in 2003 and teaches Inter-disciplinary humanities at the Open Universty and North American history at the Department of Humanities, University of Central Lancashire.

His main area of expertise is the Caribbean State–Church education system, but he also has research interests in comparative (United States, British and Caribbean) history of education particularly aspects of impecunious funding for African Caribbean/American schools. 

He has published or accepted for publication articles and books with History of Education, History of Education Researcher. Peter is also a member of the Society for Caribbean Studies. He is currently adapting his collection of oral testimonies for book length publication. 

He lives with his beloved wife, three of four grown-up children, one of five grandchildren and the incredible ‘Basher’ (German Shepherd) in Cleveleys on the Northwest coast of England. 

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