 I and I, yes I
was a gift for homie inside... "powers that be" would not accept. real bummer man!
 very interesting
I found this book to be a very interesting and informative book about the history of the slaves in Jamaica and the lifestyles of Rastafarians on the island
A very good overview of Rastafarianism
A very good overview of Rastafarianism
Leonard E. Barrett, Sr., is graduate professor of religion at Temple University and the current printing of "The Rastafarians" is the twentieth anniversary edition of an important study of the society, culture, religion, history, ideology, and influence of the Rastafarians of Jamaica.
Professor Barrett has written a most comprehensive study of the Rastafarians, one perhaps deserving to be called a definitive study, spanning as it does the several decades of the movement's history. Professor Barrett is not a Rastaman, but is sympathetic to the movement and broadly if critically supportive of its aims.
I purchased this book for an introduction to to Rastafarianism, having been only very superficially acquainted with it. This is an ideal work for a reader to whom Rastafarianism is new as it provides a detailed yet brief history of Jamaica and the institution of slavery, the social cleavages that arose out of slavery, the lasting effects of colonialism and racial discrimination, and the history, doctrine, polity and ritual of the several Rastafarian groupings.
The book covers all the major doctrines of the religion, a history of it important personages, its social and political aims and contributions, and the various denominations within the tradition that have developed over the decades. I especially enjoyed the author's providing of some personal accounts of his interactions with Rastafarians in Jamaica.
Professor Barrett has made the Rastafarian religion and culture an object of fascination for me, and a subject of which I want to learn a great deal more.
I highly recommend this book.
Want to start learning about Rastafarians?
This book was an excellent reference for my begining research on Rasta's, especially how they came about. If you don't know much about this culture & people, this is a good base.
Rasta
I really enjoyed this book. What's so amazing about this book is that it is a history text AND totally readable. It goes into depth about various cultural aspects. When you finish reading you will feel you have a very good handle on Rastafarianism.
I have to admit the part about Haile Selassie being their prophet was a big reality check. Like a reality check into their religious world, which like all religions is delusional. I suppose, however, that everyone can take from it what they want.
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