Best Surinamese History Books of 2025

If you're looking to expand your knowledge of Norse mythology, "Norse Mythology: The Complete Guide" is a great resource. This book is a two-in-one package that covers everything from the origins and traditions of Nordic paganism to the secrets of Ragnarok and Viking battles. It also delves into the story of Asatru, the values of Nordic paganism, and mythological creatures in Norse paganism. The book is not just a storybook but a comprehensive manual that will take your knowledge of Norse mythology to another level. Overall, this book is an excellent addition to any history enthusiast's collection.

Uncovering Celtic Mythology is a comprehensive beginner's guide that explores the world of Celtic myths, folklore, and legends. The book covers the origins of the Celtic people, their beliefs, and symbols. It also delves into Irish and Welsh mythologies, character profiles of mythical heroes, gods, and goddesses, and a curated collection of folktales. The book provides an excellent introduction to the subject matter that is accessible and engaging for readers of all levels of familiarity with Celtic mythology. Overall, this book is a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about Celtic mythology and its enduring influence on modern culture.

A newly updated edition of Michael Reid's best-selling book, Forgotten Continent: A History of the New Latin America, offers a comprehensive view of the social, political, and economic challenges facing Central and South America. Reid's revised account of the region reveals dynamic societies more concerned about corruption and climate change, uncertain relations with the United States, and political cycles turning from left-wing populism to center-right governments. This essential new edition provides important insights into the sweeping changes that have occurred in Latin America in recent years and indicates priorities for the future. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Latin America.

Jewish Autonomy in a Slave Society is a captivating exploration of the history of Jews in Suriname. The book offers a comprehensive analysis of the political and social factors that allowed Suriname's Jewish community to thrive. The author, Aviva Ben-Ur, uses a wide range of sources to illuminate the complex relationships between Jews, colonial authorities, and enslaved and free people of African descent. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Jewish communities in the Americas and the impact of colonialism on marginalized groups.

This book, "Creole Jews: Negotiating Community in Colonial Suriname" by Aviva Ben-Ur, is a fascinating exploration of the Surinamese Jewish community and how they navigated the challenges of living in a colonial environment. Through extensive archival research, the author traces the community's evolution from a migrant community to a settlers' community, and how economic changes impacted their social status. The book also delves into the negotiation of a Surinamese-Jewish group identity, both among themselves and with colonial authorities. Ben-Ur's elegant prose makes this a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersection of diasporic connections and everyday life.

This interdisciplinary book titled "Islam and the Americas (New World Diasporas)" explores the establishment of Islam in the Americas over the past three centuries. The contributors challenge the typical view of Islam as timeless and opposed to Western worldviews, and instead show how this religious tradition engages with issues of culture, gender, class, and race. The book includes case studies from the Caribbean, Latin America, and the United States, and examines the ways in which Islam has been shaped in the "Muslim minority" societies in the New World. Overall, this book offers a fresh perspective on the rich diversity and historical depth of Muslim presence in the Americas.

Travels with Tooy by Richard Price is an innovative blend of storytelling and scholarship that recounts the journeys of two intellectuals. The book takes the reader on a hallucinatory expedition through centuries and continents, exploring the marvelous new worlds of the imagination created by Africans in the Americas. Price's long-term ethnographic and archival research, combined with Tooy's teachings, songs, stories, and secret languages, make this an enchanting read. This book is a must-read for those interested in Surinamese history and African American imagination.

This abridged edition of Stedman's Surinam, based on the original handwritten manuscript, provides a vivid and compelling account of colonial life and the horrors of New World slavery. The editors' extensive notes and commentary offer a deeper understanding of Stedman's experiences and the historical context. The abridgment makes the text more readable without compromising its power. Overall, this book is an important contribution to the study of Surinamese history and a must-read for anyone interested in the legacy of slavery in the Americas.

Willoughbyland: England's Lost Colony is a captivating historical account of the rise and fall of the English colony in what is now Suriname. Matthew Parker's extensive research and vivid storytelling bring to life the harsh realities of South America's jungles and the cruelty of sugar and slavery that plagued the once-promising paradise. Parker's wit and scholarship make this book an enjoyable and informative read, providing a glimpse into an often-overlooked moment in England's political history. Overall, Willoughbyland is a must-read for anyone interested in colonialism's impact on the Caribbean and South America.

Alabi's World by Richard Price is a gripping account of the history of Suriname, a Dutch colony where European planters owned thousands of enslaved Africans. The book details how the slaves fought back against their oppressors, forming outlaw communities in the jungle and battling for their independence. What makes this book unique is the use of four distinct voices - the descendants of the slaves, colonial officials, German Moravian missionaries, and the historian's own voice - to tell the story. Overall, Alabi's World is a must-read for those interested in Caribbean and Latin American history.