Caribbean Rum: A Social and Economic History Identified as one of many critical components of the triangular slave trade and major cash crops, the history of rum continues to capture the attention of many historians. Caribbean Rum: A Social and Economic History written by Frederick H. Smith, anthropologist/archaeologist and associate professor at the College of William and Mary, examines the impact of alcohol on the Caribbean during the 17th century and the many forces that shaped it development in Caribbean societies and cultures today. His book is at once a representation of a political and economic vision of rum, sometimes referred to as the “spirit,” distilled from sugar cane and its by-products. Frederick Smith takes the historical archeology approach to the forces that made rum a necessity, a basic commodity for settlers and the countries in which they developed. Analyzes the central importance to economic development of the Caribbean colonies which became a focal point of political conflict as colonizing European countries fought among themselves for dominance over the regions and control of the sugar industry. Rum was one of the most desired products, seen as a cash crop in that period and a major European import. It became a necessity in Europe and dominated the economies of the New World colonies under the control of Spain, France and especially England. (Smith, p.11) The dominance of the sugar industry fueled the infamous Triangular Trade, a trading system between three ports consisting of West Africa, the Caribbean, and the American colonies. From the 17th to the 19th century the sugar industry played a vital role in increasing the strong demand for slave labor... middle of paper... sings its economic importance and adopted social and cultural trends, which were key determinants in its value, the slave trade, globalization and the violent movements that took place. Overall I enjoyed reading Smith's historical review, as it was very engaging in its explanation of the rise of the sugar industry and the powerful use of byproducts that affected so many lives and cultures. Today, rum's broad appeal continues to thrive as a major alcoholic preference for many, despite much of its history and culture may have been forgotten as new generations and eras continue to rise. I would recommend this read to many as it is the embodiment of a diverse and rich culture, unfortunately developed from a cruel and dark past. Through its production and widespread use, new cultures and traditions were formed, building what we know today as the diverse Caribbean.