Capitalism and Slavery (Penguin Modern Classics) Paperback – 24 Feb. 2022

One of the great classics. Erudite, ground breaking, beautifully written, it is required reading for anyone who wants to understand the links between slavery and capitalism.

Two of my favourite topics - History and Economics provide the context for this enlightening book– This is one of those books one must read to fully appreciate the creation of wealth during the period of the British Empire.This book does not seek to discuss the slave (the person) but slavery (the business model) and the underlying model which was is sorts used to justify disgusting actions. This book discusses the ‘economic’ model and presents interesting facts, the kind of facts that really should be taught on all history courses.For me the conclusion summed it up....... “Men pursuing their interest, are rarely aware of the ultimate results of their activity. The commercial capitalism of the eighteenth century developed the wealth of Europe by means of slavery and monopoly” (page 199)

The book reveals information that thought I knew but didn't. It is a very detailed bit of writing and I thoroughly enjoyed it.I can see why the author had trouble getting it printed.I would have given it 5 stars but the font size is much too small for my liking.

On time, fine, thanks.

This book is based on the Oxford DPhil dissertation by the author (who eventually went on to become independent Trinidad and Tobago's first Prime Minister) and was originally published in 1944 in America. Relevant today, as much as it was then, challenging the historical inaccuracies about the what and why of the slave trade, government policy being controlled by a few wealthy individuals and how inconsistencies remained in Britain's attitude to slavery after 1834. An essential read for anyone who wishes a better understanding of how commercial interests played the paramount role in the slave trade, and how, by application to our present state, continue to do so.

Detailed account of people and places and how capitalism grew as direct result of slavery

Easy to read, hard truths laid bare with facts, figures and individual examples. Politicians of the day shown by their own words to be inconsistent and partial, including Wilberforce who had many abhorent policies. And behind it all the money that flowed back to Britain and made wealth that grew the country by industrialisation and trade.

Essential reading.

Amazingly good analysis. He reasons his way impeccably through terrifying things, and venial self-interested evasions of why slavery emerged and expanded.

Pas reçu dans la bonne langue

This book was written as a doctoral thesis at Oxford University in 1937 but reads as if it was written yesterday. Groundbreaking, elegant, polite, yet deeply challenging. Williams shows how the slave trade allowed Britain to develop the financial, trade and manufacturing networks which enabled world dominance. Black lives underpin every aspect of its later wealth.

Item received timely and in great condition