David Knight Sr Book Release of "On the Outskirts of Eden; Exploring the Roots of Creole Society in the Virgin Islands"

Date & Time: November 9th, 2024 at 2pm AT (USVI)

Attendance/Location:

• In Person: At the Caribbean Genealogy Library, in Al Cohen Plaza, Building 3, Raphune Hill, St. Thomas, USVI. 

• Virtual: Virtual attendance is available via Zoom.

Cost:

• Members: Free for current library members. Invitation to join virtually will be sent to the email address associated with membership. 

• Non-Members: $5 for non-members. Those that wish to attend virtually must register using the register button on this page. Non-members attending in person can pay at the door.

About the Book & Event: 

David W. Knight Sr. will discuss his new book “On the Outskirts of Eden; Exploring the Roots of Creole Society in the Virgin Islands, 1492 – 1672” at the Caribbean Genealogy Library on Saturday November 9th at 2pm AT.

Knight’s book explores the emergence of creole society in the Virgin Islands during the years following early European contact with indigenous people, and before Danish colonization.

Knight has researched Virgin Islands history for decades and written several books. This newest volume is the result of five years of research, but really pulls from all of Knight’s research.

Much of the research regarding the history of the Virgin Islands focuses on the Danish colonial period, and the early period after the US purchased the islands in 1917. Knight’s book however focuses on the earliest European colonial period, between 1492 and 1672. In other words, the 200 years before St. Thomas became a Danish colony. Knight’s book discusses the European presence on and around the island before the Danes. This period includes European contact with indigenous populations that lived in the Caribbean. European presence included Spanish, Dutch, English, and French.

Knight’s book explores the children that resulted from the European men and indigenous women. Creole children, and the creole society that would continue to form from the intermingling of people.

When the Danish West Indian Company took control of St. Thomas in 1672, there were creoles (people born in the West Indies) among the early settlers. Knight’s research highlights that by 1686, when the first comprehensive census was compiled, nearly 50 percent of the island’s population were Creoles. And many were women.

Knight’s book includes 26 illustrations such as historical maps and drawings, narrative based on his research of primary sources, and reference sections. The book is hard cover and 104 pages.

Purchasing the Book: David Knight's most recent book, "On the Outskirts of Eden; Exploring the Roots of Creole Society in the Virgin Islands, 1492 – 1672" will be released in November 2024. The book is $45. Purchase a copy at the Caribbean Genealogy Library, or order the book online.