Sugar, Slaves and High Society - Richard Blake

The fortunes of the Grants of Kilgraston in Perthshire were interlinked with the rise and subsequent decline of the Caribbean slave economy. The men and women are a wonderfully varied cast of characters who were colourful, idiosyncratic, wayward and talented. As the British Empire extended its dominion, the Grants cemented their position in high society and left their mark on history as they encountered royalty and the White Rajahs of Sarawak. Providing unique insights into the social, military, sporting and artistic worlds of the time, this story incorporates class and social advancement alongside the ever-present reality that extravagant lifestyles and successful careers were sustained by slaves in Jamaica, the links of which were hidden in plain sight. With over 150 illustrations, this carefully researched book draws from a previously unpublished archive of letters and other papers dating from 1760 and tells an important story of how the fortunes of one family were accumulated and then lost. "...a fascinating study of a Scottish family." Magnus Linklater. "...a wonderfully well-written book." " A riveting read." Professor Chris Whatley. "...[a] frank and moving exploration of the intersection of the life of a family with the continuities and changes of history in the context of the British Empire." Professor John Cairns. "...a remarkable feat in pulling together the disparate threads of an exotic, and at times chaotic, family story, and [he has] woven them into a tapestry rich in character, art, adventure, intrigue...". Jason Brooke, President, The Sarawak Association. "...there are some great stories along the way." Professor Bob Harris. "...a thoroughly researched account of how a Highland family made their fortune and how changing mores in society lost it." Dr Steve Goodall, Director, Grantown Museum & Heritage Trust.