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Bury the Chains

Prophets and Rebels in the Fight to Free an Empire's Slaves

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Bury the Chains

By: Adam Hochschild
Narrated by: Derek Perkins
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About this listen

From the author of the widely acclaimed King Leopold's Ghost comes the taut, gripping account of one of the most brilliantly organized social justice campaigns in history - the fight to free the slaves of the British Empire.

In early 1787, 12 men - a printer, a lawyer, a clergyman, and others united by their hatred of slavery - came together in a London printing shop and began a remarkable grass-roots movement, battling for the rights of people on another continent. Masterfully stoking public opinion, the movement's leaders pioneered a variety of techniques that have been adopted by citizens' movements ever since, from consumer boycotts to wall posters and lapel buttons to celebrity endorsements.

A deft chronicle of this groundbreaking antislavery crusade and its powerful enemies, Bury the Chains gives a little-celebrated human rights watershed its due at last.

©2005 Adam Hochschild (P)2018 Tantor Europe Great Britain Social Sciences World Funny
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I thought I was fairly well informed, I was wrong!
An informative and trajic history fully illuminated. I was captivated by this book and it has really made me think about what really made Britain Great.

who knew?

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Takes the Wilberforce beatification, and puts it into persepctive without resorting to a hatchet job. Very well written, very well researched, and suitably expansive. It's actually quite an important book in these days of Right and Left kidnapping and cancelling causes and individuals from our history - and horribly distorting *our history* in the process.

An important book - rare balance/objectivity.

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Great learning in this manner. The past I didn't know & couldn't put into context. I thank the hero's & heroine's who have often been forgotten to time & who made the difference beyond mesure. IMHO this should be on the curriculum for all UK schools.

Thank you. It will be treasured - lest we forget.

Enlighting, educational and quite shocking

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I began listening to this book accidentally. I'd meant to select the one below it in my library. But I'd already started driving with the narrator telling me histories from the speaker of my car. I listened on, and continued way past that physical journey's end. The narrative feels fresh, lifting individuals from the dusty facts of the past into still living breathing beings. It's a history which should never be forgotten. Adam Hochschild's telling ensures it won't be any time soon.

Engaging History; Very Human Stories Amid Horrors

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Unmissable. Incredibly well written and researched. I knew about William Wilberforce, but finding out about great people like Thomas Clarkson, Elizabeth Heyrick and the Quakers Community was very eye-opening. Very moving too and thought- provoking. Highly recommended

A true Masterpiece

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This book tells the story of transatlantic slavery and the abolition movement. I found it really well written and well read by the narrator. Although it’s a difficult subject and this book didn’t gloss over it, I always wanted to keep going back to it.

Compelling listen

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I loved this audiobook from staft to finish. Everything from the narration, storyline and attention to detail was absolutely brilliant. Can't speak highly enough of this book!

Couldn't stop listening!

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