First published in 1896; The Suppression of the African Slave Trade remains the standard work on the efforts made in the United States; from 1638 to 1870; to limit and suppress the trade in slaves between Africa and America. In the foreword to this new edition; John Hope Franklin; James B. Duke Professor of History Emeritus; and professor of legal history at Duke University; explains the attitude toward slavery at the time Du Bois wrote his book; gives a brief background of Du Bois's growth as an educator and writer; and examines the methods Du Bois used to write the book. Those doing work on th subject of American slavery will find this volume an important source book.
#81953 in Books Rediker Marcus 2017-09-05 2017-09-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.40 x .90 x 6.30l; #File Name: 0807035920232 pagesThe Fearless Benjamin Lay The Quaker Dwarf Who Became the First Revolutionary Abolitionist
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Forgotten Quaker history brought to lightBy N. B. KennedyI have no real knowledge of Quaker history; so this book served not only to illuminate the life of one man; Benjamin Lay; but of the culture and beliefs (and sometimes hypocrisy) of Quakers from the late 1600s through the late 1700s. In particular; the author examines Benjamin Lay's opposition to slavery and his lifelong attempts to wean Quakers off their dependence on slaves and their implicit support of the institution of slavery through inaction and silence.I; like many Quakers of Lay's day; had a difficult time mentally commending this early abolitionist. I grew up in the Plymouth Brethren; a fractious and argumentative community that often broke off into splinter groups due to the divisive nature of pugnacious men who believed they; and only they; interpreted scripture correctly. I have no patience for the personality of a man like Benjamin Lay. But; as Prof. Rediker notes; often these fiery; uncompromising men were needed to shake up complacent people inclined to do nothing. I can agree with this; as applied to the issue of slavery; but it was hard for me to read about Lay as he went from congregation to congregation; spewing hatred in the guise of spirituality. He was firmly in the camp of antinomian thought -- he believed he had a direct line of communion with God; and no one could stand in authority over him. Boy; do I recognize this man!But I did appreciate the author's scholarly examination of the philosophy and thought behind Lay's beliefs; his methods; and his acetic way of life. Today; we just dismiss outliers as nut cases; and mostly they are -- just internet trolls who sow discord with no cohesive philosophy of life. Lay; though uneducated; read widely; absorbing the thoughts of ancient philosophers as well as his educated peers. He was cunning; unrelenting; and as the title says; fearless. He paved the way for the next generation of Quaker abolitionists; who had the freedom to pursue the case in gentler and less divisive ways. I see that today; as the last generation of Christian missionaries often were firebrands who pursued their cause without compromise; paving the way for today's missionaries; who can further their cause through a better understanding of local culture and customs; and by turning the leadership of churches and schools over to nationals whom they have trained and built relationships with.This is an academic work; so you need to understand that it's not necessarily a gripping read. There's a lot of repetition as Prof. Rediker builds his arguments. But I needed it; as the terms and concepts were mostly new to me and might have been quite a jumble if I didn't hear them explained repeatedly.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Absolutely surprising piece of Quaker history.By QuickbeamI took this book for one reason. I have been a Friend (conservative) for over 60 years. Throughout a lifetime of First Day school and Quaker studies; I had never heard of Benjamin Lay. This was an eye opening work and quite a pointed poke at the flaws of Friends' actual lives. History has painted Friends as quite virtuous but the truth as always is more complicated and nuanced.The author deservs a lot of credit for his scholarship and persistence. I really got a lot out of this slim book.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Giving a little-known man his due respect in historyBy Connie (She who hikes with dogs)This is a thin book about a most unusual man. Benjamin Lay was not only short in stature (he was 4'7"); he was also a firebrand abolitionist. Even his fellow Quakers weren't accepting of him. Lay did not relent. Through Marcus Redker's thorough research one also learns about Lay's interesting life; his travels; and his many attempts to spread the word of abolition. Here was a man who was born poor and who taught himself most of what he preached.Lay was far ahead of his time even to Quaker standards. He published a book with the help of his friend Benjamin Franklin that had not been approved through the proper Quaker channels. He used strong theatrics when he spoke; and he was convinced of his ideology. He was kicked out of the Quaker Friends in 1738 but that didn't squelch his faith nor his convictions. The older he got; the more radical he became in his ideas toward equality of all mankind and animals. He gave up most of his living comforts to live in a cave and eat mostly vegetarian. These are all ideologies that were at least 100 years too soon for society. He died in 1759 little known to history until recently.Someone reading Lay's thoughts today would wonder why little was done to preserve Lay's status. In the end history will be kinder to Lay. Rediker's work on Lay brings the early part of the 18th century American life and thought more into perspective: the Quakers were clearly not the peace-loving egalitarian people they wanted to be seen as (that was only true toward powerful and wealthy officials). While this book covers a lot of religious thought of the Quakers; this is truly a work of history in its detail. A fine read for lovers of early American colonial life and thought.
