The History of the Rise, Progress and Accomplishment of the Abolition of the African Slave Trade by the British Parliament (1808), Volume II

by Thomas Clarkson

"The History of the Rise, Progress and Accomplishment of the Abolition of the African Slave-Trade by the British Parliament" by Thomas Clarkson is a historical account detailing the efforts towards the abolition of the slave trade, likely written in the early 19th century. The book focuses on the extensive campaign led by advocates, including Clarkson himself, who document the moral, social, and economic arguments made against the trade, exploring the testimonies gathered from various individuals involved in the process. The opening of the work introduces the aftermath of deliberations within the British Parliament during the late 1780s, highlighting Clarkson's personal journey as he travels across England to gather evidence against the slave trade. He faces significant challenges in eliciting testimonies and forms committees to support his cause, amidst a backdrop of political and economic resistance from those benefiting from the trade. As he recounts his endeavors, Clarkson reveals the grim realities of the enslaved and the associated horrors of the trade, setting the stage for a broader discussion on justice, humanity, and the necessary pursuit of abolition.