A True & Exact History of the Island of Barbados by Richard Ligon is a foundational historical account of Barbados during the early colonial period. First published in 1657, Ligon's work provides a detailed narrative of the island's geography, economy, society, and culture, offering one of the earliest European perspectives on life in the Caribbean.

Ligon chronicles the establishment of settlements, the cultivation of sugarcane, and the development of the plantation system, including the use of enslaved labor. Beyond economic observations, he provides insights into the customs, daily lives, and interactions of both European colonists and African slaves. His firsthand account captures the challenges, conflicts, and opportunities of early colonial life in Barbados.

As a primary historical document, this book is invaluable for historians, anthropologists, and scholars of Caribbean studies, offering a vivid window into 17th-century colonial history and the formation of Caribbean societies.