ebooks Bury the Chains: Prophets and Rebels in the Fight to Free an Empire's Slaves by Adam Hochschild in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. For history fans ....By IanExcellent in all respects. When I was at school; we learned that William Wilberforce was the key element in the anti-slavery campaigns of the 18th and 19th centuries. In this book we learn there are far more interesting characters who had a greater impact in the real world in freeing the slaves and who devoted their time and lives to doing just that. I am looking forward to reading more by Adam Hochschild.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Never give upBy D. PageThis well-written history of the anti-slavery movement is a discovery. Everyone who gets discouraged by evil and suffering in the world; everyone who thinks they can't make a difference should read this. The evil and horror of slavery seems overwhelming but it was accepted as normal --as good business. Hochschild brings alive the individuals; with all their foibles; to show how working for a cause can eventually lead to change. There are lessons here for those who think global climate change; propelled by the oil and coal industries; can never be stopped.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Bury th Chains; by Adam HochschildBy Walter F. RiceI am very grateful to CSPAN's interview with such authors as Hochschild; Gary Wills; Tom Franks; and Joseph Ellis. It has allowed me to discover some wonderful books.This is the first Hochschild book I have read; but I am going to read more. He has a wonderful talent for turning deep historical research into a captivating story; the only downside being that will stay up to 3 AM in the morning when I have to be awake to go to work three and a half hours later. There are several themes I see in this book. First there is Hochscild's continuing illustrations that the greatest changes to liberate human beings cannot make all of the changes that are necessary to truly free the victims of a terrible system. The power dynamics do not change; even where the accomplishment is great; and the liberation just goes to another level; where the ones who were on top taking terrible advantage still are; or in case of Haiti; some new people are on top; and in both cases most of the ones on bottom live in desparation; significantly improved deparation that only sets the stage for another great fight. Next Hochschild gets into the recognition that some of the purpose for his book is to tell us that we have the same kinds of fight to wage in our world. The anti slavery battle in Britain is something like our own global world; and that we have battles we perhaps should be waging also. Britain and some very high class British prospered because of slavery. They were the causers of a great unfairness in the colonies and in other parts of the world; while the British common peope also suffered. The very best of the anti slavery movement linked both of these realities; supported both causes; and built their movement by developing awareness of a greater combined cause. We are also introduced to the brilliant and imaginative organizing methods of this movement in great detail. Hochschild goes into the very particular demographics of early 19th Century Britain; factors that really made the success of the movement possible; which should help us in understanding the kind of complexities we will have to consider if we are if we are to build a great movement to make changes in our world.This story is very rich. It is not just about the purest and best as Hochschild explores with Thomas Clarkson. It is about a great range of different people some of whom were very eccentric; some who were in powerful leadership roles but who were very unrealistic; others who very aristocratic and otherwise narrow; but were alo a big part of the movement. Hochild explored the characters of some very interesting people such as Wilberforce; just for an example; someone who was narrow about every cause except slavery. He was the anti slavery leader in parliament when only 1% of Britains could vote; was very aristocratic; against the rights of the common people and women; and a narrow evangelist; very different than the quakers; who were at the core of the movement but were near the bottom of British society. Wilberforce; on a personal level; with his own servants and employees was just the opposite of what he was politically; loyal and dedicated to the welfare of his own infirm and incompetent servants. This is a taste of the book. It was delightful reading.