Clarkson, Thomas

The History of the Rise, Progress, and Accomplishment of the Abolition of the African Slave-Trade by the British Parliament. London: Printed by R. Taylor for Longman, Hurst, Rees and Orme, 1808

2 volumes, 8vo (8 1/2 x 5 1/8 in.; 215 x 130 mm). Initial blank in each volume, 3 plates (of which 2 are folding) including the famous image of a slave-ship's cargo, a stylized cartographic depiction of the course of anti-slavery discussions to 1808 as rivers and tributaries, and an image of manacles; occasional scattered spotting (mostly on the plates). Modern three-quarter leather over marbled boards, in a half-morocco drop-box; one scrape, some light wear to extremities.

James S. Copley (bookplate). Acquisition: William Reese

Goldsmiths 19725; Kress B.5319; Sabin 13486

occasional scattered spotting (mostly on the plates). Modern three-quarter leather over marbled boards; one scrape, some light wear to extremities.
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First edition of this influential work, arguing for the moral necessity of abolishing the slave trade, and providing an invaluable look into both Clarkson's life and his lengthy fight for that cause. The large folding plate of the hold of a slave-ship, when shown in the House of Commons, "seemed to make an instantaneous impression of horror upon all who saw it ..." (2:111).