Journal Of A Slave-Dealer (Kegan Paul Africa Library)

This is a classic early account of the slave trade, taken from a journal kept by a young Irishman who crewed on the trans-Atlantic slave ships and became a trader on the West African coast. Covering the years 1746-1757, it was written before humanitarian feeling turned public opinion turned against slavery, and is notable for its matter-of-fact approach to what was then seen simply as another form of commerce. Its particular value lies in the light it throws on the Europeans involved in the slave trade - how they became involved in it, their role in the trading process, and their way of life at trading posts on the treacherous African coast. Owen provides valuable early descriptions of local African tribes such as the Mandingos, and detailed accounts of trade goods and how they were obtained and exchanged. The journal provides important insights into the European connection with the West African coast, and the vigorous, simple style in which this living history is written is reminiscent of Defoe's Robinson Crusoe.Owen is the author of 'Journal Of A Slave-Dealer (Kegan Paul Africa Library)', published 2009 under ISBN 9780710313447 and ISBN 0710313446.