By William H. Herndon (Author), Jesse W. Weik (Author), Colin Heston (Editor)

Abraham Lincoln: The True Story of a Great Life, Volume 2 by William H. Herndon and Jesse W. Weik continues the intimate and revealing portrait of Lincoln’s life, focusing on his political rise, personal struggles, and moral convictions. This volume delves into Lincoln’s early legal and political career in Illinois, his evolving views on slavery, and his growing prominence within the newly formed Republican Party. Herndon, who knew Lincoln personally, offers firsthand insights into Lincoln’s character, including his honesty, wit, and deep empathy. The narrative explores Lincoln’s debates with Stephen A. Douglas, his election to the presidency, and the immense pressures he faced as the nation moved toward civil war. The authors emphasize Lincoln’s internal conflicts, his sense of duty, and his unwavering commitment to preserving the Union. Through letters, speeches, and personal anecdotes, the book presents Lincoln not as a distant icon but as a complex, thoughtful man shaped by hardship and driven by principle. Volume 2 concludes with reflections on Lincoln’s leadership during the early years of the Civil War, setting the stage for the final chapters of his life and legacy.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 220p.

By Brantz Mayer, Introduction by Colin Heston

Full Title: Captain Canot; or, Twenty Years of an African Slaver: Being an Account of His Career and Adventures on the Coast, in the Interior, on Shipboard, and in the West Indies, Written Out and Edited from the Captain’s Journals, Memoranda and Conversations.

This riveting account of the 19th century slave trade delves into the life and adventures of Theodore Canot, a notorious figure in the transatlantic slave trade. Through Mayer's meticulous writing, based on Canot's own journals and conversations, readers are taken on a journey across the African coast, the interior, and the treacherous seas. Experience the raw and unfiltered reality of the 19th-century slave trade, as Canot navigates the complexities of his morally ambiguous career. This book offers a unique perspective on historical events, providing insights into the human condition and the dark chapters of our past. It's a must-read for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in understanding the depths of human resilience and the complexities of ethical dilemmas. Embark on this unforgettable voyage with Captain Canot and witness history through the eyes of a man who lived it. It’s a story of adventure, survival, and reflection.

Key Events and Themes:

• Military Engagements: The text describes a planned military expedition involving American settlers, highlighting the tense and violent interactions between colonists and African natives .

• Escapes and Betrayals: Canot is betrayed by his crew and attempts to escape, illustrating the treacherous nature of his ventures .

• Storm Survival: A perilous sea journey showcases Canot’s leadership and navigation skills during a storm, emphasizing his resilience and quick thinking .

• Cultural Interactions: Canot’s dealings with African chiefs and societies reveal the intricacies of trade and cultural exchanges, often marked by exploitation and manipulation [52-55].

• Revolts and Discipline: A slave revolt aboard Canot’s ship underscores the constant threat of rebellion and the harsh measures taken to maintain control.

• Social Dynamics: The narrative also explores the social dynamics within Canot’s trading community, including the influence of alcohol and the tension between different ethnic groups.

First Publication: 1854. The book was first published in the United States by D. Appleton & Company in New York. This edition Read-Me.Org Inc. 2025. 301p.

May Contain Markup

By Sir Reginald Coupland

"The British Anti-Slavery Movement" by Sir Reginald Coupland is a comprehensive historical account detailing the efforts to abolish slavery and the slave trade in the British Empire. The book is structured into several chapters, each focusing on different aspects of the movement, from the African slave system to the abolition of slavery in the British Isles and colonies.It highlights the significant contributions of key figures such as William Wilber force, Granville Sharp, and Thomas Clarkson, who played pivotal roles in advocating for the end of slavery. Coupland also discusses the broader implications of the abolitionist movement, including its impact on British Imperial policy and its moral and humanitarian motivations.

The book delves into the various phases of the anti-slavery movement, including the fight against the foreign slave trade and the suppression of theEast African slave trade. Coupland provides a detailed narrative of the challenges and successes faced by the abolitionists, emphasizing the interplay between economic, political, and moral factors. The introduction to the second edition by J.D. Fage offers additional context, reflecting on Coupland's contributions to the field of imperial history and the ongoing relevance of his work. Overall, the book serves as a crucial resource for understanding the complexities and legacy of the British anti-slavery movement.

Frank Cass & Co LTD London, 1933, 255 pages

By Simon P. Newman

Freedom Seekers: Escaping from Slavery in Restoration London reveals the hidden stories of enslaved and bound people who attempted to escape from captivity in England’s capital. In 1655 White Londoners began advertising in the English-speaking world’s first newspapers for enslaved people who had escaped. Based on the advertisements placed in these newspapers by masters and enslavers offering rewards for so-called runaways, this book brings to light for the first time the history of slavery in England as revealed in the stories of resistance by enslaved workers. Featuring a series of case-studies of individual "freedom-seekers", this book explores the nature and significance of escape attempts as well as detailing the likely routes and networks they would take to gain their freedom. The book demonstrates that not only were enslaved people present in Restoration London but that White Londoners of this era were intimately involved in the construction of the system of racial slavery, a process that traditionally has been regarded as happening in the colonies rather than the British Isles. An unmissable and important book that seeks to delve into Britain’s colonial past.

London: University of London Press, 2022.

By A. Meredith John

Historical Context: The book explores the history of Trinidad from 1498 to 1813, focusing on the introduction and role of slavery in the island's economic and political development.

Demographic Analysis: It provides a detailed demographic and mathematical analysis of the plantation slave population in Trinidad,using data from the Trinidad Slave Registers of 1813, 1815, and 1816.

Mortality and Fertility: The study examines plantation slave mortality and fertility, aiming to estimate plausible upper and lower bounds for these rates.

Unique Position: Trinidad's unique historical position as a frontier colony with fertile lands and a relatively recent introduction of slaves is highlighted, contrasting it with more established colonies like Jamaica And Barbados.

Cambridge University Press, 1988, 259 pages

By Thomas Mareite

While the literature on slave flight in nineteenth-century North America has commonly focused on fugitive slaves escaping to the U.S. North and Canada, Conditional Freedom provides new insights on the social and political geography of freedom and slavery in nineteenth-century North America by exploring the development of southern routes of escape from slavery in the U.S. South and the experiences of self-emancipated slaves in the U.S.–Mexico borderlands. In Conditional Freedom, Thomas Mareite offers a social history of U.S. refugees from slavery and provides a political history of the clash between Mexican free soil and the spread of slavery west of the Mississippi Valley during the nineteenth century.

The Hague; Boston: Brill, 2022. 

BY GEORGE PADMORE

The document details the severe exploitation and oppression of Negro workers across various regions, including British, French, Belgian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian Africa. It discusses the conditions of black slaves in the United States, the West Indies, and Latin America, highlighting the brutal realities of slavery and its lasting impacts. The book describes the awakening and revolutionary movements among Negro workers in different regions, emphasizing their struggles for freedom and better living conditions, and outlines the role of imperialist powers in exploiting Negro workers and the economic and social challenges faced by these communities under imperialist rule.

R.I.L.U. Magazine for the International Union Committee of Negro Workers London, 1931. 125p.

By Marcia Wright

This book explores life stories from East/Central Africa, focusing on the experiences of ex-slaves and women, their strategies during times of peril, and their consciousness and changing circumstances before World War I. It is divided into two parts, with the first part titled "Women in Peril" featuring narratives of individual women, and the second part "History at the Turn"providing essays that contextualize the narratives within broader historical settings. The work reflects interdisciplinary research, drawing from feminism, African social history, and studies on slavery, aiming to uncover the history of women and slaves in Africa's internal and external history. It also discusses the challenges of interpreting personal narratives within historical contexts. Finally, the book highlights the need for further research and interdisciplinary exchange to deepen the understanding of the subject matter.

Lilian Barber Press, 1993, 238 pages

By Johnson U. J. Asiegbu

British Anti-Slavery Policy: The book explores the development ofBritish anti-slavery policy from 1787 to 1861, focusing on the SierraLeone settlement and the emigration of liberated Africans.

Emigration Challenges: It discusses the challenges and controversies surrounding the 'voluntary' emigration of liberated Africans under government control.

Labour Recruitment: The book examines the techniques used for labor recruitment, including the role of the Coastal Squadron and Vice-Admiralty Courts

Historical Context: It provides a detailed historical context, referencing various primary sources and documents related to the British anti-slavery movement and liberated African emigration

Africana Publishing Corporation, 1969, 231 pages

By H. E. Maude

Peruvian Slave Trade: The document details the Peruvian slave raids inPolynesia during 1862-1864, highlighting the impact on various island communities

Routes and Voyages: It describes the main routes taken by ships from Callao, Peru, to different Polynesian islands, including the Northern, Southern, and Central routes.

Polynesian Experience: The narrative includes personal accounts and the experiences of Polynesian islanders who were kidnapped or deceived into servitude.

Historical Context: The document provides a broader historical context, linking the events to the wider history of Pacific and Latin American interactions.

Stanford University Press, 1981, 244 pages

Edited by Roger Anstey and P.E.H.Hair

Historical Context: The document explores the history of the Atlantic slave trade, focusing on Liverpool's significant role in the trade duringthe 18th century.

Economic Impact: It discusses the economic organization of the slavetrade, including the goods exchanged and the profits made bymerchants.

Abolition Movement: The document highlights the efforts and debates surrounding the abolition of the British slave trade, particularly the role of Liverpool abolitionists.

Research and Sources: It emphasizes the importance of historical records and recent research in understanding the complexities of the slave trade and its abolition.

Cambridge University Press ,1977 , 244 pages

By Allen G.B. Fisher & Humphrey J. Fisher

The book discusses the institution of slavery in Saharan and Sudanic Africa and the trans-Saharan trade. The authors, Allan G.B. Fisher and Humphrey J. Fisher, provide insights into the size of the slave population, slave status and religion, domestic treatment of slaves, slave exports and marketing, and the role of slaves in African society. The document also includes references to specific incidents

C. Hurst & Co. Publishers, 1970, 219 pages

By El-Bashir, Ahmed E.

The book discusses the history of slavery and the slave trade in the Nile Valley, focusing on the United States’ involvement. It examines public reactions, the role of American travelers in shaping opinions, and the official response to the issue. The author acknowledges the assistance of various individuals and institutions in conducting his research.

University Press of America, 1983, 189 pages

By Mieko Nishida

●Thematic Focus: The book offers a new interpretation of urban slaveryin Salvador, Brazil, from 1808 to 1888, exploring the self-perceptions and identities of enslaved Africans and their descendants during theslavery regime, emphasizing factors like ethnicity, gender, and race.

●Structural Overview: It is divided into three parts, each examiningdifferent aspects of identity creation among African-born and Brazilian-born individuals, with chapters detailing the creation, representation,convergence, and re-creation of identities within the historical contextof New World slavery.

●Research Foundation: Nishida's work is grounded in primary sources and reflects her personal journey of identity search, paralleling the experiences of her subjects who navigated their identities amidst socio-political transitions in Brazil, such as the end of the transatlantic slave trade and the abolition of slavery.

Indiana University Press, 2003, 255 pages

By Nigel Worden

This book provides a comprehensive study of slavery in Dutch SouthAfrica, covering various aspects such as the historical context, the role of the Dutch East India Company (VOC), the economic impact of slavery, and the social dynamics between slaves and their masters. Here are some key insights.It details the establishment and growth of a slave society in South Africa under Dutch colonial rule from 1652 to 1795, and examines the economic aspects of slavery, including the profitability of slave labor and its integration into the colonial mercantilist system.It explores the relationships between slaves and their masters, the legal framework governing slavery, and the mechanisms of control and resistance within the slave society. The study places Cape slavery within a broader comparative framework, challenging traditional views and highlighting the complexities of the slave system at the Cape.These insights provide a nuanced understanding of the institution of slavery in Dutch South Africa and its implications for the region's history and development

Cambridge University Press, 1985 , 107 pages

By Robert Ross

Cape of Torments: Slavery and Resistance in South Africa by Robert Ross offers a comprehensive exploration of the history of slavery in the Cape Colony. Ross delves into the complexities of the institution of slavery in South Africa, shedding light on the experiences of enslaved individuals and their acts of resistance. Through meticulous research and analysis, Ross uncovers the harsh realities faced by slaves in the Cape Colony while also highlighting their resilience and efforts to challenge the system of oppression. A thought-provoking and compelling read, Cape of Torments provides valuable insights into a crucial chapter of South Africa's past.

Taylor & Francis, 2022, 174 pages

By Audrey Fisch

"American Slaves in Victorian England" by Audrey Fisch sheds light on the often overlooked history of American slaves who found themselves in England during the Victorian era. Through meticulous research and compelling narratives, Fisch explores the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of these individuals as they navigated a society far from home. This book provides a thought-provoking glimpse into a lesser-known aspect of both American and British history, offering a fresh perspective on the complexities of race, identity, and freedom in the 19th century.

Cambridge University Press, 2000, 139 pages

A Modern Slavery By Henry W. Nevinson

This book, first published in 1906 provides a factual account of slavery in the Portuguese colony of Angola. Nevinson describes the brutal conditions of slavery, the slave trade routes, and the impact on African societies, emphasizing the inhumanity and suffering caused by the slave trade.The book mentions the work of missionaries in Africa, highlighting their efforts to provide education, medical care, and a message of peace, despite the challenges posed by colonial exploitation. The author  criticizes the Portuguese colonial system for perpetuating slavery and forced labor, particularly in the cultivation of cocoa on the islands of San Thome and Principe, leading to widespread suffering and death among the enslaved population.

Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 1968 - 252 pages

By Christine E. Sears

The book examines the impact of African-American abolitionists in England during the 1850s, highlighting their efforts to present the slave experience and stimulate opposition to American slavery.It explores how the campaign intersected with various English issues such as Victorian literary market changes, class and gender tensions, and national identity questions.Despite its popularity, the abolitionist campaign inadvertently reinforced English nationalism, becoming a point of interest for students of African-American studies and 19th-century literature and history[^2^][2].

Springer, 2012, 240 pagws

MAY CONTAIN MARKUP

BY CHARLES SUMNER.

“HISTORY has been sometimes called a gallery, where, in living forms, are preserved the scenes, the incidents, and the characters of the past. It may also be called the world's great charnel house, where are gathered coffins, dead men's bones, and all the uncleanness of the years that have fled.”

Massachusetts. JOHN P. JEWETT AND COMPANY, 1853. 134p.