The Society of Prisoners: Anglo-French Wars and Incarceration in the Eighteenth Century

Very little has been written of the history of prisoners of war before the twentieth century, and Renaud Morieux seeks to correct this in this new history of war captivity in the eighteenth century, mining archives in Britain and France to take a fresh look at international relations through the histories of prisoners and host communities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

In the turbulent eighteenth century, as wars between Britain, France, and their allies spread across the globe, hundreds of thousands of individuals found themselves caught in the crossfire, facing captivity, detention, or exchange. These unfortunate souls were transported across vast oceans, forced to march across continents, or held in an uncertain limbo, their lives suspended in a state of uncertainty. The Society of Prisoners presents us with a profound challenge: to reexamine the paradoxes that surround the prisoner of war. This unique individual is simultaneously perceived as an enemy and a fellow human being whose life must be protected and preserved.

Renaud Morieux, in his insightful work, redefines our understanding of the prisoner of war before the establishment of international legal and social conventions. During this era, the lines between a prisoner of war, a hostage, a criminal, and a slave were often blurred. Morieux employs the context of war captivity as a lens through which to examine the eighteenth-century state, its transformative processes, and the reasons behind its enduring existence. By embarking on a captivating journey between Britain, France, the West Indies, and St Helena, Morieux invites the reader to trace the history of these prisoners, weaving a narrative that spans continents and sheds light on the complexities of the era.

Through his meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Morieux offers a fresh perspective on the prisoner of war, challenging our preconceptions and prompting us to consider the human cost of conflict. He emphasizes the importance of empathy and compassion, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, the lives and dignity of those caught in the war's grip deserve to be respected and protected. The Society of Prisoners serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of war on individuals and societies, and of the urgent need for dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation to heal the wounds of the past.

Weight: 668g
Dimension: 156 x 232 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192868039