An Abstract of the Evidence delivered before a Select Committee of the House of Commons, in the Years 1790, and 1791; on the Part of the Petitioners for the Abolition of the Slave-Trade.

ABOLITION OF SLAVERY.

Published by Edinburgh: Printed for J. Robertson, 1791

About this Item

Second Edinburgh edition of this best-selling report on the colonial slave trade, including a version of among the most famous abolitionist images, the cross-section depicting the enslaved individuals transported aboard the Brookes. The Abstract is the first abolitionist work to ground its arguments not on biblical appeals, or forceful rhetoric, but on documented eyewitness accounts. Until 1790, the abolitionist campaign had been channelled through pamphlet and pulpit. After 1790, abolitionists turned to the new technique of mass petition campaigns against Parliament. The Abstract publishes the testimonies of the witnesses called by the petitioners, arranging them thematically by chapter. Among others, the select committee called planters, traders, naval officers, and doctors. "The abolitionist petition campaign reached an apex during 1791-1792 where an unprecedented 519 abolitionist petitions, coming from all over Britain, were delivered to Parliament. Some 400,000 persons signed these petitions (1 out of every 11 adults), with Manchester alone contributing 20,000 names from an adult population of about 30,000" (Fogel, p. 212). ESTC N29168. William Fogel, Without Consent or Contract, 1989. Octavo, pp. [iv], 128. Large folding plan of a slave ship, folding map of the western coast of Africa, tables in the text. Original paper wrappers, spine lettered in manuscript ink, edges uncut. Housed in custom orange cloth box. Contemporary presentation inscription from "Mr. Campbell" to "John White" on the front cover. Rubbing and chipping, minor loss to spine and extremities, browning and foxing to contents, slight offsetting to plates, folding plan loose: just about a very good, fragile copy.

Seller Inventory # 180598

Bibliographic Details

• Title: An Abstract of the Evidence delivered before a Select Committee of the House of Commons, in the Years 1790, and 1791; on the Part of the Petitioners for the Abolition of the Slave-Trade.
• Publisher: Edinburgh: Printed for J. Robertson, 1791