In this wide-ranging history of the African diaspora and slavery in Arabia in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries; Matthew S. Hopper examines the interconnected themes of enslavement; globalization; and empire and challenges previously held conventions regarding Middle Eastern slavery and British imperialism. Whereas conventional historiography regards the Indian Ocean slave trade as fundamentally different from its Atlantic counterpart; Hopper’s study argues that both systems were influenced by global economic forces. The author goes on to dispute the triumphalist antislavery narrative that attributes the end of the slave trade between East Africa and the Persian Gulf to the efforts of the British Royal Navy; arguing instead that Great Britain allowed the inhuman practice to continue because it was vital to the Gulf economy and therefore vital to British interests in the region. Hopper’s book links the personal stories of enslaved Africans to the impersonal global commodity chains their labor enabled; demonstrating how the growing demand for workers created by a global demand for Persian Gulf products compelled the enslavement of these people and their transportation to eastern Arabia. His provocative and deeply researched history fills a salient gap in the literature on the African diaspora.
#2074416 in Books 2012-11-13Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 1.12 x 6.12l; 1.39 #File Name: 0300180497336 pages
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Lubet does it againBy Ann C"John Brown's Spy"; the story of John Cook; Brown's lieutenant and subsequent betrayer; extends Professor Steven Lubet's winning streak; while expanding his field of play. With each book he demonstrates a greater command not just of legal history; but of history in general. Lubet's story breaks new ground in both areas. This reader had never heard of Cook before; and does not often read biographies. But this one is spellbinding. Even though you know the outcome; you are caught up in the suspense. Lubet's writing style is fluid and engaging. His sense of humor adds to the book's attraction. His characterization of John Brown as "the ultimate free radical" will charm even the non-chemist reader. Or his description of Senator James Mason as one courtroom observer who "stood out as an island of dignity in a loutish sea."Lubet's attention to detail gives testimony to the breadth and depth of his research. He has uncovered physical descriptions of many of the dramatis personae. Brown himself; with his biblical prophet's sternness; has often been described. But no one has depicted; for example; trial judge Richard Parker: "stoop-shouldered and heavyset; with a bulbous nose and tight unsmiling lips" or John Cook himself: "short and slight; he had delicate features; full lips; bright blue eyes; and blond curly hair that fell in ringlets about his face." Now that's writing! The characters come alive. And that's not all; folks. Lubet has even unearthed the detailed geography of the various sites cited: "The jail stood across the street from the courthouse; separated by several barrooms and lawyers' offices."Lubet tempers his tale with laudable caution as to what is and is not known. He makes use of locutions which grade the probabilities of his and others'descriptions of events; from "would have" to "likely" to "doubtless" and "surely" (those bizarre English words which in fact mean their opposites); up to the overwhelmingly probable which he describes; as he should; as fact: " Cook's attorney; Alexander McClure "took Cook into a corner" to discuss his defense. It is inconceivable that a lawyer would do otherwise; surrounded by jailers and ill-wishers.Speaking of dramatis personae; Lubet provides not only a comprehensive index (again testifying to his meticulous research); but a separate list of them all. It's not a cast of thousands; but it is about a hundred. This reader is very grateful indeed not to have had to seek them out in the general index each (or almost each) time their names appeared.Finally; and perhaps most importantly; Lubet makes clear; as he has done in earlier work; that the Civil War was not predominantly; as is sometimes claimed; about states' rights; but about the abominable institution of slavery; and its overthrow.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Unique view of famous Harpers Ferry raidBy Jim BendatWe've all head about John Brown and Harpers Ferry; but most of us probably don't know too much about a lot of the planning and details behind that 1859 event. Steven Lubet's book provides a truly unique perspective.My favorite part of the book involved some terrifically creative arguments made by one of the attorneys that led to treason counts being dismissed against his black clients. And; for me; the biggest surprise was when I learned about the old "interested party" court rule that prohibited a defendant from testifying in his or her own defense.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Little Known InformationBy Judy SchaeferLittle known information about a well known time in our history is revealed in this book. For those who love history and mystery; you will love this book. A fascinating narrative that takes the reader into the heart of Harper's Ferry and John Brown's plans.
