William McAteer’s third volume of Seychelles history
William McAteer is considered by most to be an expert on Seychelles history. His third volume, which covers 1920 to 1976, under the title ‘To Be A Nation’ is now on sale at Antigone bookshop in Victoria.
This particular volume takes the story of Seychelles as a crown colony to Independence.
It is McAteer’s third book on the history of Seychelles, the other titles are ‘Rivals in Eden’ (1742 to1827) and ‘Hard Times in Paradise’ (1827 to 1919).
The book covered the period from the end of the First World War, which saw Seychelles catapulted into the arena of the outside world. ‘To Be A Nation’ has a lot in common with the other two editions mentioned above. By and large it is the story of the colonial governors and other officials, the planters, missionaries and exiles. The temporary stay in Seychelles of many eminent personalities in exiles is well documented in ‘To Be A Nation’.
Between 1919 to 1928 Seychelles became the favorite spot in the region for the colonial ruler to send in exile those who were rebelling against the empire. Apart from king Prempeh, who had arrived in 1900 from Ashanti and the most famous political exile ever to grace the islands, Archbishop Makarios, many others but no less dangerous in their opposition to Britain’ colonial rule were sent in exile over here. Most found Seychelles a home away from home due to the kindness and hospitable attitude of the natives of the time.
‘To Be A Nation’ is a very good read, especially for the history enthusias, it is strongly recommended by Le Nouveau Seychelles Weekly. It is available at Antigone bookshop in Victoria. Get your copy now as the news is that it is flying off the shelves, like hot cakes.