- Paperback: 257 pages
- Publisher: Beacon Press (September 1988)
- ISBN-10: 0807011150
- ISBN-13: 978-0807011157
- Product Dimensions: 20.1 x 13.5 x 1.8 cm
- Shipping Weight: 318 g
- Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
#1,229,240 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #25 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Practices > Rastafari
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Most helpful customer reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Jah Rastafari!,
By
This review is from: The Rastafarians: Twentieth Anniversary Edition (Paperback)
Being somewhat familiar with the Rastafari movement already and being somewhat fascinated by the culture I decided to read this book. The book starts out by tracing the history of slavery in Jamaica and outlining the conditions that precipitated a movement such as Rastafarianism which seeks a more equitable and just society. A decent amount is dedicated to Ethiopia and the idea of Ethiopianism where Rastafarians basically view this country in the same way as Zion is viewed by the Jews. Later elaboration explains mythical elements of the religion as well as the symbols, beliefs and rituals of the group such as smoking herb for a deeper understanding of a cosmic consciousness. I especially enjoyed the parts in the book where the author expounded upon the artistic improvements Rastas have made not only in Jamaica but the world over with things such as reggae music. Also kudos to him for talking about Bob Marley because he is a good reason the religion has gained popularity the world over. I won't give this book a 5 of 5 though because I did find the last chapter to be somewhat rambling and some of the ideas in the book are repeated a little bit too much for my taste. I think some people who aren't as interested in the movement as I am would have a little trouble keeping interested the whole way through. All-in-all though I think this is a pretty good read and does a good job explaining the basics of the Rastafarian beliefs and also gives detail about the socio-economic factors that contributed to this voice against colonialism and oppression.
2.0 out of 5 stars
At least there's some worthwhile content,
By
This review is from: The Rastafarians: Twentieth Anniversary Edition (Paperback)
As I have an interest in studying various sects, and had not yet spent much time learning about Rastafarianism, I bought this book for an introduction to that faith. I will say that there is much valuable content in it regarding the history of Jamaica and Jamaican slavery and the beliefs and rituals of various Rastafarian groups, and even an interesting though slim aside on the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. On the other hand, the writing is amateurish and repetitive. Perhaps each chapter began life initially as an individual paper and Barrett later compiled separate papers into his book, without removing repetitive, overlapping information. However, this does not explain the overall fair, and sometimes poor, quality of the writing in general. Additionally, while often bending over backward to apologize for questionable aspects of Rastafarian history, he seems to treat other religious traditions on the island with an attitude of judgmental disdain. Though I learned a good deal of history, I did not feel that I was reading a scholarly work.
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Definitive Study of a misunderstood Faith,
This review is from: The Rastafarians: Twentieth Anniversary Edition (Paperback)
The Rastafarians is an exceptional work that chronicles the development of Rastafarianism in historical and sociological contexts. In his thoroughly researched work, Leonard E. Barrett, Sr. examines several aspects of the faith, from the conditions of British-ruled Jamaica from which it would rise to its political role in the Jamaican elections of the 1970s. The author addresses popular heroes of the faith such as Marcus Garvey and Bob Marley, but he also gives mention to lesser known figures, such as Leonard Howell, an early leader of the movement, and Sam Brown, the first "Rasta politician." Also included is a chapter on beliefs, rituals and symbols that brings clarity to the creed of Rastafarianism, a faith that is often dismissed as little more than dreadlocks, marijuana smoking and reggae music. One of the most intriguing elements of the book is the author's account of Haile Selassie's visit to Jamaica in 1966 and how the Rastas received him. Barrett's book is a scholarly work, but it is not loaded down with academic jargon. The Rastafarians is a must read for anyone interested in the movement.
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