Descripción
xxxiii[1],295pp. Original publisher's blue cloth, expertly rebacked with most of original gilt backstrip laid down, corners neatly repaired. Later ownership signatures at top of dedication page and first page of the preface; gift inscription on first page of text (see below). Clean internally. Very good. A significant association copy, presented to one early civil rights leader from another, tied together by their mutual interest in the history and culture of the African diaspora. This copy is from John Wesley Cromwell's personal library with a gift inscription on the top margin of the first page of text from the noted African-American journalist, historian, and Pan-African Nationalist, John Edward Bruce: "John W. Cromwell Esq. from his friend Jno E. Bruce Aug. 25 1897." In the top margin of the first page of the preface, Bruce marks his receipt of the book from the publisher; "J. E. Bruce from Wm Clowes & Sons, Ltd London, England. Aug 13 1897." In the top margin of the dedication page, is the ownership inscription "Adelaide C. Hill." This is African-American sociologist Adelaide M. Cromwell Hill (1919-2019), John Wesley Cromwell's granddaughter and professor emeritus at Boston University, where she co-founded the African Studies Center in 1959. Ms. Cromwell inherited her grandfather's library. This is the first book to set down in English the laws and customs of the peoples of the Gold Coast. Prior to the publication of the present book, the only available histories and interpretations of the native law and customs of the peoples of the Gold Coast marketed to the English public and their officials were written by "soldiers adventurers, missionaries, colonial administrators and journalists, men who were at best, ill-acquainted with the Gold Coast and its socio-cultural and political affairs" - Baku. As a result, distorted views of native laws, customs and history were transmitted to the English government and people, resulting in the view that it was the duty of the English colonial rulers to educate and 'civilize' the peoples of the Gold Coast, by imposing 'superior' British law and culture on them. In the present book, John Mensah Sarbah, presents the history and laws of the people of the Gold Coast to construct an accurate history so as to question the legality of Britain's usurpation of power and jurisdiction in the Gold Coast beyond those granted in the Bond of 1844. John Wesley Cromwell (1846-1927) was born into slavery in 1846, and used that experience to propel himself forward into a remarkable variety of influential public positions. He taught at several important African-American schools, became clerk of the Virginia Constitutional Convention of 1867 and 1868; practiced as a lawyer and judge; was founding editor and later owner of THE PEOPLE'S ADVOCATE and was among the first wave of civil rights leaders. He was one of the founders of the Bethel Literary and Historical Society, an important African-American intellectual hub, and became its fourth president in 1883. Although Cromwell was not directly involved in the Pan-African Nationalist movement, he was very interested in the history and culture of African diaspora, and it was through this and other mutual interests, that Cromwell built a long-lasting friendship with J. E. Bruce, from whom he received this copy. John Edward Bruce (1856-1924) was also born into slavery. While still a child, he and his mother escaped from Maryland to the District of Columbia, where they found shelter and protection from Senator Thomas Hart Benton of Missouri. Through this relationship, Bruce was provided with educational opportunities and eventually graduated from Howard University. Through his Benton connections Bruce landed a job with the NEW YORK TIMES, and within a few years had founded three newspapers. His byline was "Bruce Grit." Bruce eventually became a columnist for newspapers in the United States, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa, and was a vocal opponent of racial discr. N° de ref. del artículo WRCAM57888
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