The Caribbean – A travelogue

Home > Books > The Caribbean - A travelogue
The Caribbean – A travelogue

Refreshing and educational narrative history: An unconventional and engaging take on Caribbean history

Jacob Gelt Dekker's The Caribbean is a travelogue but reads like a novel, providing us with a rollicking narrative and a rich brew of colorful facts. Educational and entertaining!

Order Now!
About the Book

The Caribbean by Jacob Gelt Dekker: a mesmerizing narrative

After a life-changing diagnosis, Dutch entrepreneur Jacob Gelt Dekker decides to take a step into the unknown. Setting sail from his home in Key West, he embarks on an odyssey around the Caribbean islands, navigating treacherous waters and nations forever shaped by the Age of Discovery and transatlantic slave trade. Soon he discovers that he is not alone on his boat. With him during the long days and nights at sea are Anansi the Spider, the West African trickster, and The Flying Dutchman, doomed to sail the oceans forever and harboring a terrible secret.

 

Jacob_gelt_dekkker_1948_2019_amsterdam_publishers

A balance of rich history, visualisation and light humor

Together, this unlikely trio, Jacob, Anansi the Spider and The Flighing Dutchman, seeks to establish the truth about the history of the Caribbean. Along the way, they encounter famous pirates and unpick tales of untold riches, but also retrace the steps of the region’s slaves, finding out how events in Europe, the fledgling American colonies, and Africa sealed their fates. Informed by personal experience and the people he meets on the islands, Jacob Gelt Dekker offers an unconventional account that is key to understanding the Caribbean and its peoples today. A riveting read!

The_caribbean_by_jacob_gelt_dekker

Jacob Gelt Dekker passed away in Key West on 1 September 2019 at the age of 71

Dutch author, dentist by trade, businessman, multi-millionaire, serial entrepreneur, world traveler, philanthropist, visionary, independent mind, gifted narrator, source of inspiration, uomo universale, cancer fighter, ecologist, optimist, charismatic, eternal student, disciplined, fearless, a man with a mission.  A most remarkable man who gave colour to life. Jacob will be sadly missed.

Jacob_gelt_dekker_the_caribbean_amsterdampublishers

The Caribbean by Jacob Gelt Dekker in the Press

Press release

Caraibisch Uitzicht

Knipselkrant Curacao

Koninkrijksrelaties

The Daily Herald of 25 May 2018

Jacob Gelt Dekkers signs the limited edition of 50 of the color version of The Caribbean

Death Jacob Gelt Dekker

Obituary of Jacob Gelt Dekker

NOS

NRC

Parool

AD

Volkskrant

Quote

NU

Antilliaans Dagblad

World News

Teller Report

Nieuwspace

Volkskrant article

NRC article

FD article

The Post Online

De Ondernemer

WMU Muenster

De Gelderlander

Gaykrant

Dikke Blauwe

Marketing Tribune

Trouw

Jacob Gelt Dekker signing limited edition of The Caribbean

Jacob Gelt Dekker’s Swan Song, The Caribbean, is available on Amazon and on bol.com

On 9 December 2018 Jacob Gelt Dekker signed the special limited edition of The Caribbean. This edition is also annotated (edition of 50) and in colour. Contact the publisher; only a few copies are left.

Details
Author: Jacob Gelt Dekker
Tags: Audio rights available, Foreign Rights Available
Publisher: Amsterdam Publishers
Publication Year: 2018
Length: 302 (b&W) 2658 (color)
ASIN: B07BL28F5Y
ISBN: 9789492371744
Rating:

List Price: $19,95
eBook Price: $7,99
The book is clearly written by an insider, familiar with all the ins and outs of the Caribbean islands. The variety of religious and cultural features are described with a good sense of humor, sometimes wrapped in stories, some true, some fictionalized. The book is a page turner and also a source of knowledge about this region at the crossroad between two dominant continents. Recommended reading, also for outsiders.
– Prof Steven R. Schuit
This was the rarest account of history that I have ever read. It was pleasurable and full of real history, some things that I don’t think were ever covered in my history class many years ago. I enjoyed the trip and the antics of the fictional characters. Taking a trip like the one that Dekker took was one of great courage and I am not sure that I have any of them in me. Of course, there are many years between us and maybe given the circumstances I might have found that courage. There were some facts about slavery that I never knew and it is a shame that it is not taught in schools. It might have changed a lot of things that have happened in history during my time. What will you like? A very well written storyline that is full of facts in a fun way. Characters that are exceedingly unusual and entertaining. The historical accounts are factual and backed up with references plus there are many photos that will take you to that point in time with a visual thought.
– Dee Gott
I finished your marvelous book a few days ago and immediately started reading over certain parts. I am also looking forward to doing a little Caribbean cooking this weekend. The book has amused as well as educated me. What stands out? The metaphors (“A King”, “Prime Minister”, “A Businessman”, “A Professor”, and “A Thief”), the Candidesque dialogs, and the breezy descriptions of Pirates and their slaughters and thefts for their Patrons, Kings, Queens, and Corporations. Gives one pause.
– Michael Miller
An entrepreneur man on a mission! I have known Jacob Gelt Dekker for more than a quarter of a century and believe me, he is truly the legendary Flying Dutchman. A man with a genuine concern for the welfare of others and society. His love for the Caribbean Islands is clearly reflected in this book and his surprising apparition of life in the Caribbean is delightful. Jacob has allowed us to sail through the Caribbean Islands forever, while giving us a legacy of hope!
– Charles D.A. Ruffolo, President, The NetworKing Corporation & Founder of the Giving Back Foundation
You thought you knew the Caribbean, its history, people, flavors, colors, traditions and contradictions? Set sail with Jacob Gelt Dekker on a journey to the Caribbean as only he can tell, away from common places, guided by a contagious curiosity and unmatchable experience. Let the Caribbean get into your veins, as only natural storytellers can make happen. You'll love every single page of Jacob's amazing account.
– Norbert Braakhuis
"Never give up”. If anything typifies Jacob Gelt Dekker, it is his own adagio. I have met many people in many countries but nobody as impressive as Jacob. A most unusual man with a truly remarkable -if not unique- life history, defying an incredible amount of odds thanks to his intelligence, perseverance, creativity and willingness to travel uncharted waters. This book testifies to all that. He is also a noted philanthropist and a most valiant heart. The Fulbright center in Amsterdam is blessed with a patron like him.
– Rudolf Bekink, former Dutch Ambassador to the United States
A journey on a sailing-ship along the Caribbean Islands becomes a lucid experience through cultural history. In his erudite and eloquent log with a great sense of humour, skipper Jacob Gelt Dekker, accompanied by an imaginary crew, takes us with him over the high waves of sea-battles and slavery to beautiful places on palmy coastlines where locals peacefully prepare their typical food. A most remarkable chronicle!
– Hannedea van Nederveen Meerkerk, CEO MoWIC Foundation
Order Now
bol.com
Buy from Apple Books
Buy from Kobo
Buy from IndieBound
Buy from Barnes and Noble
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Jacob Gelt Dekker

The charismatic Jacob Gelt Dekker (1948-2019), was a well-known Dutch self-made millionaire, serial entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Despite being diagnosed with cancer in his twenties he has always been living his life to the full. Sadly he lost the battle against cancer on 1 September 2019 and died at home in Key West.

A world traveler pur sang, commuting between his residences in Amsterdam, New York, Curaçao, and Key West, Dekker was the pen-ultimate Dutch entrepreneur who saw opportunities everywhere and was a most generous patron of numerous institutions.

Dekker was always involved in improving the situation for the less fortunate, whether that is in Africa, Asia or the Caribbean.

In 2019 he started work on a book about immigrants, a subject close to his heart. The work was left unfinished.

Preview
See our Privacy Policy and Disclosure of Material Connection