The Life of William Wilberforce

This five-volume biography of abolitionist William Wilberforce, drawn from his own writings, was published in 1838 by his sons.

Robert Isaac Wilberforce (Edited by), Samuel Wilberforce (Edited by), William Wilberforce (Author)

9781108025058, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 13 January 2011

416 pages, 1 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 2.4 cm, 0.53 kg

William Wilberforce (1759–1833) was a politician, philanthropist and evangelical Christian, now best known for his work to end the slave trade. Elected to Parliament in 1780, he campaigned unsuccessfully for penal and electoral reform. In 1787, at the encouragement of his friend William Pitt, he took up the cause of abolition at Westminster and lobbied influential people tirelessly, but humanitarian and ethical arguments were slow to overcome the economic interests of those who had made fortunes from the slave trade or the use of slave labour. It was not until 1807 that the Abolition Bill was finally passed. Wilberforce continued his work for emancipation, and also campaigned for religious liberty. This biography, based on his own writings, was published by two of his sons in 1838, but sheds more light on religious than on political aspects of his life. Volume 1 covers the period from his birth until 1792.

Preface
1. Birth
2. 1780–1783. Hull election
3. 1783–4. First election for Yorkshire
4. April 1784 to April 1786. Takes his seat for Yorkshire
5. April 1786 to September 1787. Registry and Surgical-Subject Bills
6. September 1787 to December 1788. Retirement at Bath
7. December 1788 to July 1790. Serious resolutions
8. July 1790 to December 1791. Summer excursions
9. December 1791 to December 1792. Return to London
Appendix.

Subject Areas: British & Irish history [HBJD1]