Capitalism and Slavery (Penguin Modern Classics)

Item received timely and in great condition

Two of my favourite topics - History and Economics provide the context for this enlightening book– This is one of those books one must read to fully appreciate the creation of wealth during the period of the British Empire.This book does not seek to discuss the slave (the person) but slavery (the business model) and the underlying model which was is sorts used to justify disgusting actions. This book discusses the ‘economic’ model and presents interesting facts, the kind of facts that really should be taught on all history courses.For me the conclusion summed it up....... “Men pursuing their interest, are rarely aware of the ultimate results of their activity. The commercial capitalism of the eighteenth century developed the wealth of Europe by means of slavery and monopoly” (page 199)

First published in 1944 this excellent book demonstrates how the slave trade of the 17th and 18th centuries had a major impact in shaping the world we know today. From a British perspective the book demonstrates how profits earned in what has een called the ''mercantile'' period went on to underpin the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century.

Very rarely do I read a book as well researched as this one. Especially if you consider there was no internet in those days. This took a lot of time and effort.No wonder he obtained the highest position in the nation.This book illuminates the practical steps the British took to make profits and slaves or indentured labourers were the key part to it along with the physical rape of the countries they were taken to.Uncomfortable for some but best to be enlightened as opposed to being ignorant. The profits that were made are simply astonishing.This was a business based on working human beings to death and then replacing them.

This book is based on the Oxford DPhil dissertation by the author (who eventually went on to become independent Trinidad and Tobago's first Prime Minister) and was originally published in 1944 in America. Relevant today, as much as it was then, challenging the historical inaccuracies about the what and why of the slave trade, government policy being controlled by a few wealthy individuals and how inconsistencies remained in Britain's attitude to slavery after 1834. An essential read for anyone who wishes a better understanding of how commercial interests played the paramount role in the slave trade, and how, by application to our present state, continue to do so.

The book reveals information that thought I knew but didn't. It is a very detailed bit of writing and I thoroughly enjoyed it.I can see why the author had trouble getting it printed.I would have given it 5 stars but the font size is much too small for my liking.