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)

9781108025072, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 13 January 2011

578 pages
21.6 x 3.3 x 14 cm, 0.73 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 3 covers the period from 1800 until 1812.

17. January 1801 to December 1802. Change of ministers
18. January 1803 to May 1804. New-year's day
19. May 1804 to February 1806. Encouraging prospects of abolition cause
20. February 1806 to March 1807. Wilberforce's conduct towards new ministry
21. March 1807 to June 1807. Change of ministers
22. June 1807 to December 1808. His feelings on reviewing his success
23. December 1808 to July 1810. New house
24. July 1810 to July 1811. Garden at Kensington Gore
25. July 1811 to January 1812. Correspondence with Mr. Roberts.

Subject Areas: British & Irish history [HBJD1]