Antigua and the Antiguans, Volume 1 (of 2): A full account of the colony and its inhabitants from the time of the Caribs to the present day

"Antigua and the Antiguans, Volume 1" by Mrs. Lanaghan is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The work aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Antigua, detailing the island's history, geography, and its inhabitants from the time of the Caribs up to Mrs. Lanaghan's present day. It offers an impartial view on significant topics such as slavery and labor systems, alongside anecdotal legends and insights into local families. The opening of the volume serves as a preface where the author shares her motivations for writing the book, stemming from her personal experiences and observations during her visits to the island. She describes the evolution of her scattered notes into the current narrative, driven by her deepening interest in Antigua's early history and its people. The text also introduces some poignant historical accounts, including the harsh realities of slavery in the island’s past, and outlines the structure of the chapters that will follow, indicating a blend of narrative, legend, and analysis that characterizes her ambitious work.