In 1820, King Radama of Imerina, Madagascar signed a treaty allowing approximately one hundred young Malagasy to train abroad under official British supervision, the so-called 'Madagascar Youths'. In this lively and carefully researched book, Gwyn Campbell traces the Youths' untold history, from the signing of the treaty to their eventual recall to Madagascar. Extensive use of primary sources has enabled Campbell to explore the Madagascar Youths' experiences in Britain, Mauritius and aboard British anti-slave trade vessels, and their instrumental role in the modernisation of Madagascar. Through this remarkable history, Campbell examines how Malagasy-British relations developed, then soured, providing vital context to our understanding of slavery, mission activity and British imperialism in the nineteenth century.

‘Gwyn Campbell has produced an original and deeply researched microhistory. It connects the Indian Ocean with Europe and Africa in novel ways, it sheds light on technology transfers, perceptions of Madagascar, sociability, missionary outlooks, education, slavery, intercultural connections, and colonialism. The sections on musical training in Mauritius, on Malagasy youngsters in British academies, asylums and military vessels, and language across the Indian Ocean, are all captivating. Many of the portraits and vivid details are bound to stick with readers.’

Eric Jennings - University of Toronto

‘Engaging, creative, and meticulously researched, The Madagascar Youths follows the journeys of a select group of 'Madagascar Youths' from the island of Madagascar to far-away destinations including Britain, Mauritius, and British trade vessels. In recounting these lively stories of adventure and exploration, a picture of Madagascar’s broader politics and society emerges – one entangled with imperial powers, religious ideology, and the shifting geopolitical strategies of the times.’

Sarah R. Osterhoudt - Indiana University

‘The Madagascar Youths is a fascinating and valuable contribution to African, Indian Ocean, and global history. Gwyn Campbell’s meticulously researched and richly detailed book offers a compelling analysis of Merina-British relations in the early nineteenth century and an important new window on Madagascar’s global engagements.’

Jeremy Prestholdt - University of California

‘The Madagascar Youths is an engrossing account of a compromise between the Merina crown and Britain in the 1820s: King Radama I agreed to cease his slave trade in exchange for military aid and apprenticeships for Malagasy youths, who would acquire skills needed to modernize and strengthen Radama’s dominion. Merina boys (mostly) were sent far from home, to Britain, Mauritius, and on British naval ships, to learn various trades and military band music. The experiences of these child envoys, so many of whom succumbed to disease, offer a rich and rarely told counterpoint to the triumphs and malarial misadventures of Europeans sent to Africa.’

Genese Marie Sodikoff - Rutgers University