The Harbour Island Story - New Book Published

Anne & Jim Lawlor - Authors

The Harbour Island Story, a 308 page informative account of the historic North Eleuthera settlement has been published by Macmillan Caribbean.

The book, written by Jim and Anne Lawlor was a goal of local historian, the late Dr. Paul Albury, who wrote The Story of The Bahamas and Paradise Island Story.  In writing The Harbour Island Story, his daughter Anne and Son-in-law Jim, integrated some of Dr. Paul's notes, writings and his 'poetic prose'; they also conducted extensive additional research among sources available in Nassau, London, Bermuda and the United States.
 
In the words of D. Gail Saunders, writer of the book's foreword;
 
"Harbour Island Story, which is well illustrated, examines the founding of 'Briland, its early days, piracy and the islands' part in Deveaux's daring recapture of New Providence.  It also decribes Dunmore's and the Loyalists' contribution and vividly recalls privateering and the raising of Royal Island.  The authors objectively describe slavery and emancipation and recount the history of a free society including the prosperous days of the 1850s, shipbuilding, wrecking and the experiences of  hurricanes. The book concludes with two chapters, 'Briland ways' and 'The Enchantment of Harbour Island.'  New material from official, church, oral and private sources which give fresh insight into most areas is used.  An example of this is the excellent detailed account of the laying out of Dunmore Town in 1791 by Lord Dunmore and the expansion of the town between 1836 and 1892. 
 
The entire story is told in a free flowing style and the chapters on ship-building, wrecking and hurricanes are particularly enjoyable, incorporating some of Dr. Paul's wonderful stories.
 
This book adds greatly to our knowledge of Harbour Island specifically and The Bahamas generally and is a significant addition to Bahamian historiography.  It is also important as it stands among the few detailed histories of the Bahamas' Family Islands.  Harbour Island Story is a must for Bahamians, visitors, scholars, students and the general public.  In spite of many difficulties, Anne and Jim prevailed and are to be congratulated for completing the book which will serve as the standard text on 'Briland for many years."
 
We were able to secure a copy of the book for $34.98 at Logos Book Store, Harbour Bay, Nassau and you should read more of our thoughts about it in the August print issue of The Eleutheran.
 
According to the authors, the School of English of The College of the Bahamas is planning a Nassau launch in early October and they are planning an on island launch at Charles Carey's Art Gallery, in Harbour Island the week after American Thanksgiving.