It marked the first occasion that an extended historical narrative had been undertaken by an author with a prolonged association with the island.

More than just a social and political history, Long's trilogy offers readers detailed practical advice for life on the island, covering everything from the start-up requirements for a plantation to the tastiest fish. Of particular interest to a contemporary audience is the extensive information about slavery, from the cost of owning a slave to rules governing slaves and slave owners. This new edition, with an introduction by Howard Johnson, makes Long's classic work available once again.