Slave Empire: How Slavery Built Modern Britain

Slave Empire by Padraic Scanlon challenges the myth that the British empire was free and fair, revealing that it was built on slavery and industrial capitalism. The book explores how British imperial power and industrial capitalism were inextricable from plantation slavery, and how British freedom and slavery were made together.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 10 March 2022
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Review:


Slave Empire: A New History of the British Empire is a captivating and thought-provoking book that delves into the complex and often overlooked aspects of the British Empire's history. Written by Padraic Scanlon, a renowned historian, the book offers a fresh perspective on the empire, challenging the romanticized notion that it was a benevolent and progressive force.


Through meticulous research and a clear writing style, Scanlon demonstrates that the British Empire was, in fact, built on slavery. He explores the intricate connections between British imperial power, industrial capitalism, and plantation slavery, revealing how these three elements were interdependent and mutually reinforcing.


One of the book's most striking features is its ability to bring enslaved people to the center of the narrative. Scanlon provides intimate and human details about the lives of enslaved individuals, shedding light on their experiences, struggles, and resilience. He challenges the notion that enslaved people were passive victims and shows how they played active roles in shaping their own lives and the course of the empire.


Slave Empire also offers a comprehensive analysis of the economic, social, and political implications of plantation slavery. Scanlon explores how the empire's reliance on slave labor shaped its economic development, contributed to social inequality, and undermined political stability. He also examines the ways in which enslaved people resisted and challenged their oppression, highlighting the important role they played in shaping the empire's history.


The book's innovative approach to historical scholarship is another notable aspect. Scanlon incorporates a wide range of sources, including primary documents, secondary literature, and historical archives, to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the empire. He also employs innovative analytical techniques, such as comparative analysis and cultural history, to shed light on the complex and multifaceted nature of the empire.


Overall, Slave Empire: A New History of the British Empire is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the history of the British Empire and its profound impact on the world. It is a powerful and thought-provoking book that challenges our assumptions and provides a fresh perspective on a complex and often overlooked period of history.


Conclusion:


In conclusion, Slave Empire: A New History of the British Empire is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh and compelling perspective on the British Empire's history. By challenging the romanticized notion of the empire and placing enslaved people at the center of the narrative, Scanlon provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of this complex and often overlooked period of history. The book's innovative approach to historical scholarship, comprehensive analysis, and ability to bring enslaved people to life make it a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the British Empire.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 155 x 197 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472142337