Stand the Storm: A History of the Atlantic Slave Trade

"A multitude of black people of every description chained together, every one of their countenances expressing dejection and sorrow," stripped naked, shaved, and crammed into the steaming holds of the vessels. Over a period of three centuries ten million slaves were transported from Africa to the Americas amidst appalling conditions that went unheeded until the social pressures of the nineteenth century put an end to the trade. Thousands died even before they could be auctioned, but the supply was so plentiful it made little economic difference. In this graphic portrait of the Atlantic slave trade, Edward Reynolds uses primary and contemporary sources to present a realistic and balanced picture of the trade and its consequences. Beginning with the African background, he traces the impact of the trade on both Africa and the West, shows the resilience of African societies, and along the way demolishes a good many historical myths. Stand the Storm is clearly the best short history in print. "Remarkably comprehensive, clearly and simply written, and uncluttered with figures and tables. "—Choice. "The value of this succinct and readable volume lies in the immense amount of material the author has rendered manageable for the general reader."—New Statesman.