Slave Law and the Politics of Resistance in the Early Atlantic World

Discover the intricate interplay of power and resistance in Edward B. Rugemer’s compelling work, Slave Law and the Politics of Resistance in the Early Atlantic World. This enlightening book, published by Harvard University Press in 2018, offers a comparative history that spans 200 years, focusing on two pivotal slave economies: Jamaica and South Carolina.

Rugemer delves into the political dynamics between enslaved individuals' acts of resistance and the authority wielded by slaveholders. Through meticulous research, the author illustrates how these tensions contributed to the abolition of slavery, showcasing unique outcomes—with one being the enactment of British Parliament law and the other arising from a violent civil war.

With 400 pages of in-depth analysis, Rugemer provides readers with a deeper understanding of historical precedents that have shaped modern discussions about freedom and rights. This thought-provoking book is essential for anyone interested in the complex history of slavery and resistance in the early Atlantic world.