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)

9781108025065, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 13 January 2011

468 pages, 1 table
21.6 x 14 x 2.6 cm, 0.59 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 2 covers the period from 1792 to 1800.

10. December 1792 to July 1794. Alarming aspect of the times
11. July 1794 to October 1795. Wilberforce preparing his religious work
12. October 1795 to July 1796. Disordered state of the public mind
13. July 1796 to October 1797. Buxton
14. November 1797 to June 1798. New session
15. June 1798 to September 1799. Settlement at Broomfield
16. September 1799 to December 1800. Bath
Appendix.

Subject Areas: British & Irish history [HBJD1]