St Kitts and Nevis:
World Bibliographical Series Volume 174.
Verna Penn Moll. Oxford, England: Clio Press Ltd, 1995
The Federation of St Kitts and Nevis is situated in the eastern Caribbean Sea, at the northern end of the Leeward Islands chain, about one-third of the way between Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago. The Islands lie approximately 17 degrees north latitude and 62 degrees west longitude. They are sometimes referred to as ‘the bat and the ball,’ St. Kitts being oval in shape, with a long neck of land extending like a handle from the southeastern tip. It is separated from the more ’rounded’ Nevis by three miles of the Caribbean Sea.
Originally known as ‘Liamuiga’ (fertile isle) to the Amerindians, the larger of the islands was renamed, St. Christopher of St. Kitts, by Columbus in 1493. In 1623 it became Britain’s first settlement in the West Indies, and because of the expansion of the sugar industry, soon developed into an important colony. One year later, the French settled part of the Island, and conflict over the right of possession continued until 1783, when the Treaty of Versailles formally acknowledged British sovereignty.
The Federation covers a total of 101 square miles (St. Kitts 65, and Nevis 36) and enjoys a sub-tropical climate tempered by constant sea breezes. There is little seasonal variation in temperature but the rainy season lasts from May to November. The terrain is volcanic with mountainous interiors and fertile valleys. Mineral resources are negligible and arable land, permanent crops, meadows and pastures, forest and woodland, occupy about 69 percent of the total acreage.
The bibliography details and evaluates 565 selected sources, and is intended to assist users in understanding the people of St Kitts and Nevis and their culture. Aspects of the history, geography, politics, socio-cultural and economic conditions of these islands are covered, making this a key work of reference, which should be invaluable to students, librarians, business people, and general readers.
Other Reference Books by Verna Penn Moll.