In 1887 Harper's Magazine sent Lafcadio Hearn to the West Indies to write a series of articles on the area. Following his time there, he wrote 'Two Years in the French West Indies', in 1890, chronicling his observations and experiences in the region. He is probably best known for his writings on Japan, but this is a fascinating work that equally represents his knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, other cultures. We are republishing this work with a brand new introductory biography on the author with an aim to place the book in the context of his other writings.