Slavery and Slaving in African History

This book is a comprehensive history of slavery in Africa from the earliest times to the end of the twentieth century, when slavery in most parts of the continent ceased to exist. It connects the emergence and consolidation of slavery to specific historical forces both internal and external to the African continent. Sean Stilwell pays special attention to the development of settled agriculture, the invention of kinship, "big men" and centralized states, the role of African economic production and exchange, the interaction of local structures of dependence with the external slave trades (transatlantic, trans-Saharan, Indian Ocean), and the impact of colonialism on slavery in the twentieth century. He also provides an introduction to the central debates that have shaped current understanding of slavery in Africa. The book examines different forms of slavery that developed over time in Africa and introduces readers to the lives, work, and struggles of slaves themselves.

Reviews & endorsements

"Sean Stilwell presents us with a powerful entry into the rich debate on the nature and history of slavery and slaving in Africa. His book represents both a valuable point of entry for any scholar moving into this field and a superb synthesis of recent research across the continent for those of us trying to keep up. Stilwell also manages to stake out positions in key debates that respond to recent scholarship, like that from Joe Miller, while inviting new avenues of deliberation. This volume thus serves as a monograph, a historiography, and an excellent teaching text all in one book."
Trevor R. Getz, Professor of History, San Francisco State University

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Product details

• Date Published: June 2014
• format: Paperback
• isbn: 9780521171885
• length: 240 pages

• dimensions: 228 x 152 x 13 mm
• weight: 0.33kg
• contains: 9 b/w illus. 4 maps
• availability: Available