Cyprus, as I Saw It in 1879

Key themes

Colonialism and Imperialism

The book is set immediately after British occupation, making colonialism a foundational theme. Baker, a British figure, inherently views Cyprus through an imperial lens, even when attempting impartiality. The narrative explores the impact of British rule on local administration, economy, and society, often highlighting perceived 'backwardness' as justification for intervention and 'improvement.' It offers a contemporary perspective on the goals and challenges of colonial governance.

Cultural Encounter and Observation

As a travelogue, the book is largely dedicated to Baker's observations of Cypriot culture, customs, and social dynamics. He details the daily lives of the local population, their trade practices, architecture, and interactions. This theme explores the challenges and nuances of an external observer attempting to understand and document an unfamiliar culture, often leading to comparisons with the observer's own background.

Human-Environment Interaction

The description highlights Baker's initial impressions of 'barren landscapes' contrasting with 'greenery of England' and 'challenges posed by the environment.' This theme explores how the natural environment of Cyprus shapes the lives, economy, and resilience of its inhabitants, and how human activities, particularly under new administration, might seek to transform or adapt to these conditions. It touches upon resource management and the struggle for sustenance.

Worth discussing

How does Baker's 'unprejudiced perspective' manifest, and where does it reveal the inherent biases of a 19th-century British observer?