American Slavers: Merchants, Mariners, and the Transatlantic Commerce in Captives, 1644-1865

The first telling of the unknown story of America’s two-hundred-year history as a slave-trading nation

Format: Hardback
Length: 496 pages
Publication date: 25 July 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

A profound and comprehensive exploration of America's two-hundred-year history as a slave-trading nation, "American Slavery and the Trade in Human Lives" is a groundbreaking work of impressive breadth, rigorous research, and balanced analysis. Authored by historian Sean M. Kelley, this meticulously researched book delves into the intricate web of American slavery, shedding light on the complex dynamics that shaped this dark chapter in American history.

Spanning a period of two hundred years, American merchants and mariners embarked on voyages to Africa and the Caribbean, where they acquired and sold captives. In his comprehensive study, Kelley employs exhaustive archival research, accessing numerous collections that have remained largely untapped until now. Through his meticulous analysis, Kelley argues that slave trading must be considered an integral part of the broader narrative of American slavery.

By engaging with both African and American history, Kelley offers a multi-faceted perspective on the trade. He explores the experiences of captivity, drawing upon over a hundred African narratives to provide a vivid portrayal of enslavement in the regions frequented by American ships. Kelley also provides a social history of two American ports, Newport and Bristol, Rhode Island, which were hubs of slave trading activity.

In recounting this tragic, brutal, and largely unknown story, Kelley aims to correct misconceptions while leaving no doubt that Americans were, in fact, a nation of slave traders. His work serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of slavery and the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality. "American Slavery and the Trade in Human Lives" is a seminal contribution to the field of history, offering a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of American slavery.

Weight: 892g
Dimension: 167 x 244 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300263596