"An imaginative and impressive study that succeeds admirably in articulating a decidedly Haitian perspective on wider Caribbean and global concerns. Especially commendable is Bellegarde-Smith\'s sensitivity to the usually misinterpreted functions of the Vodun religion and the Kreyol language which he sees as positive nation-building attributes as well as his highlighting of the usually neglected role of women and peasants as moving forces in Haitian history political economy, culture, social thought, race relations, and international relations.