For over three centuries, slavery in the Americas fuelled the growth of capitalism. But the stirrings of a revolutionary age in the late eighteenth century challenged this "peculiar institution" and set the scene for great acts of emancipation in Haiti in 1804, in the United States in the 1860s and Brazil in the 1880s. Blackburn argues that the anti-slavery movement helped forge the political and social ideals we live by today.

How slavery shaped the market economy and abolitionists gave us our ideals

About the Author
Robin Blackburn teaches at the University of Essex and is an editor at New Left Review. He is the author of many books, including The American Crucible, The Making of New World Slavery, The Overthrow of Colonial Slavery, Age Shock and Banking on Death.

Reviews
A marvelous book-insightful and stimulating. -- Stanley Engerman, University of Rochester
This is a richly scholarly book ... an important contribution to our understanding of the shaping of the modern world. -- James Walvin * BBC History Magazine *
Poses a challenge for the political future as well as a bold reappraisal of the historical past. -- Stephen Howe * Independent *
The finest one-volume history of the rise and fall of modern slavery. -- Eric Foner * The Nation *
Magisterial history of transatlantic slavery. * Times Literary Supplement *


Awards
Short-listed for Frederick Douglas Book Prize 2012.



Book Information
ISBN 9781781681060
Author Robin Blackburn
Format Paperback
Page Count 520
Imprint Verso Books
Publisher Verso Books
Weight(grams) 724g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 154mm * 28mm