In "Slavery," James Walvin embarks on a profound exploration of the harrowing depths of human enslavement and its complex history, culminating in its abolition in April 1807. With an innovative narrative approach, Walvin intertwines the lives of three distinct individuals ensnared by the slave trade's cruel embrace: a remorseful trader, a callous owner, and a resilient slave. Through their stories, Walvin sheds light on the multifaceted nature of slavery, painting a vivid picture of the pain, resilience, and indomitable spirit of those bound by chains. John Newton, a slave captain turned repentant author of "Amazing Grace," Thomas Thistlewood, a Jamaican slave owner whose diaries reveal the daily brutalities of plantation life, and Olaudah Equiano, a former slave whose autobiographical accounts have become a cornerstone of black history, serve as the focal points of this riveting account. Their lives, though markedly different, are bound by the merciless workings of the Atlantic slave system. Walvin masterfully navigates their intersecting paths, offering readers a unique perspective on the global tragedy of slavery, its insidious operations, and its lasting impact on humanity. This book is not just a recounting of historical events, but a compelling tribute to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.