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AbolitionYear of JubileeABOLITION 2007 is a year of anniversaries. Among others, two significant events are being celebrated: the abolition of the slave trade in 1807 and the life of that well-loved preacher and hymn-writer, John Newton, who died that year. Day One commemorates both events in a single publication entitled Abolition. The graphic cover design, with its locks, chains and blood, immediately stirs the conscience and focuses the mind on the iniquity of the slave trade. Veteran biographer, John Pollock, has covered the story in this racy book, drawing on material from his previous fuller biographies. His aim in ten short chapters is to demonstrate the contribution of both Wilberforce and Newton as they strove together for the abolition of this human trafficking. Called ‘the little liberator’, Wilberforce agitated ceaselessly towards this end, while Newton leant encouragement, perhaps springing from a sense of shame for his own earlier activity in the trade. He appeared before the Privy Council in 1788 to answer questions concerning it and from his first-hand knowledge wrote a pamphlet entitled Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade. His chilling descriptions of the treatment meted out to slaves — men and women considered as little more than animals without natural emotions — were used by Wilberforce to awaken public horror at such abuses. Popularly presented and interesting, Abolition should have wide appeal. Its drawback, however, is the misleading impression given that these two men alone carried the main responsibility for the final abolition of the slave trade. Where, we find ourselves asking, is the massive contribution of Zachary Macaulay, Granville Sharp, Thomas Clarkson and Charles Grant? Newton’s input, apart from his pamphlet, was largely confined to one of encouragement from the sidelines. Pre-eminently a gospel preacher, he did little active campaigning as did the members of the Clapham Sect. If readers bear in mind that this is only one angle of the story, occasioned by the coinciding of two anniversaries, they will find this book a useful and informative record. Faith Cook,
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