Slave Ship : A Human History

by Rediker, Marcus

• ISBN13: 9780143114253
• ISBN10: 0143114255
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781440620843
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-09-30
• Publisher: Penguin Books
• More Book Details

About This Book

The Slave Ship: A Human History by Marcus Rediker is a deeply researched and profoundly impactful book that delves into the darkest corners of the British and American slave ships of the eighteenth century. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the transatlantic slave trade and its profound human cost.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by historians, students of U.S. history, and anyone interested in the transatlantic slave trade. It is also a valuable resource for educators looking to teach about this period in history, as well as for professionals in fields related to social justice and historical studies.

History and Editions

The Slave Ship was first published in 2007 by Penguin Books and has been widely praised for its masterful narrative. The book has been a cornerstone in the field of historical research, providing a detailed and emotionally charged account of life on slave ships. The 2008 edition, with ISBN 9780143114253, is the most commonly referenced version.

Author and Other Works

Marcus Rediker is an award-winning historian known for his meticulous research and engaging writing style. He has written several books that explore the maritime history of the Atlantic world, including "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea: Merchant Seamen, Pirates, and the Anglo-American Maritime World, 1700-1750" and "The Amistad Rebellion: The Slave Ship Insurrection and the Road to American Civil War."

Key Features

• Comprehensive Coverage: The book provides a detailed exploration of the transatlantic slave trade, including the experiences of both the enslaved and the sailors.
• Emotional Impact: The book is known for its searing brilliance and profound emotional impact, making it a transformative read for many.
• Historical Accuracy: Rediker draws on 30 years of research in maritime archives, court records, diaries, and firsthand accounts to create a historically accurate narrative.
• Human Perspective: The book humanizes the victims of the slave trade by sharing individual stories and experiences, making the historical context more relatable and impactful.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780143114253
• Audiobook: ISBN-13: 9798217077779 (published January 21, 2025)
• Hardcover (older edition): ISBN-10: 144062084X (published October 4, 2007)

Publication Details

• Publisher: Penguin Books
• Publication Date: September 30, 2008
• Number of Pages: 464 pages
• Language: English

Other Editions and Formats

• Audiobook Download: Available for purchase from various retailers.
• E-book: Not explicitly listed but potentially available through Penguin Random House or other e-book platforms.
• Related Books:
• "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea: Merchant Seamen, Pirates, and the Anglo-American Maritime World, 1700-1750" by Marcus Rediker
• "The Amistad Rebellion: The Slave Ship Insurrection and the Road to American Civil War" by Marcus Rediker

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for The Slave Ship: A Human History, making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

Author Biography

Marcus Rediker, the chair of the history department at the University of Pittsburgh, has won several book prizes and lectures around the world. He is the author of four other books, including (with Peter Linebaugh) The Many-Headed Hydra: Sailors, Slaves, Commoners, and the Hidden History of the Revolutionary Atlantic.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 1
Life, Death, and Terror in the Slave Trade	p. 14
The Evolution of the Slave Ship	p. 41
African Paths to the Middle Passage	p. 73
Olaudah Equiano: Astonishment and Terror	p. 108
James Field Stanfield and the Floating Dungeon	p. 132
John Newton and the Peaceful Kingdom	p. 157
The Captain's Own Hell	p. 187
The Sailor's Vast Machine	p. 222
From Captives to Shipmates	p. 263
The Long Voyage of the Slave Ship Brooks	p. 308
Epilogue: Endless Passage	p. 343
Acknowledgments	p. 357
Notes	p. 361
Index	p. 417
Illustration Sources and Credits	p. 433
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.