- Paperback: 320 pages
- Publisher: Da Capo Press Inc; New edition edition (13 Dec 2005)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0306814501
- ISBN-13: 978-0306814501
- Product Dimensions: 22.6 x 15.2 x 2.3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,509,276 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Though the Heavens May Fall
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Product Description
Product Description
The case of James Somerset, an escaped slave, in June of 1772 in London's Westminster Hall was a decisive turning point in human history. Steven Wise has uncovered fascinating new revelations in this case, which statesmen of the time threatened would bring the economy of the British Empire to a crashing halt. In a gripping, hour-by-hour narrative of the trial and the inflamed participants, Wise leads the reader to the extraordinary and unexpected decision by the great conservative judge, Lord Mansfield, which led to the United States' own abolition movement. As the case drew to a close, and defenders of slavery pleaded with him to maintain the system, Mansfield's reply has resounded down through more than two centuries: "Let Justice be done, though the Heavens may fall. "
From the Publisher
For the first time, the complete, exciting story of the landmark trial that led to the abolition of slavery in the Western world.
--This text refers to an alternate
Paperback
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First Sentence
THE STORY HAD BEGUN twenty-three years before. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
THE STORY HAD BEGUN twenty-three years before. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A triumph of principle,
By
This review is from: Though the Heavens May Fall: James Somerset and the End of Human Slavery (Hardcover)
Lord Mansfield was one of the greatest English judges. The issue at stake was whether a slave from Virginia, brought by his master to England, could be shipped to the West Indies to be sold. Much was made of his ingratitude at resisting his master's wishes in this respect. A dedicated group of campaigners took up the case. Strive as he might to avoid facing the direct issue- how like judges today- ultimately Mansfield applied law based on principle- whatever the consequences Somerset was to be a free man. For lawyers and campaigners, an inspiring example of how to use the legal system to achieve justice against all odds. And it's good history.Perhaps sometimes the author loses the reader in the detail, but still it is a fine story.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
4.6 out of 5 stars (8 customer reviews) 24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Handy Treatment of the Epic Somerset Case,
By Ronald H. Clark - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Though the Heavens May Fall: James Somerset and the End of Human Slavery (Hardcover)
This volume is a compact, but complete, treatment of the famous 1772 Somerset decision by Lord Mansfield that confirmed that slavery was not legal within Great Britain (but left slavery intact in British colonies and possessions). The key actor upon which the entire narrative focuses is abolitionist Granville Sharp, who initiated several cases challenging the legality of slavery in Britain until he was finally successful in Somerset. His crusade demonstrates the merits of not being easily discouraged by initial setbacks. Given the fact that he subsisted on and financed litigation through a clerk's salary, one can only stand in amazement at his determination to terminate the practice. The author does a good job in discussing the background and character of Lord Mansfield, certainly one of the most influential actors in the development of English law. The reconstruction of the trial itself is well done. While the research is predominantly based upon secondary sources, as is appropriate in a "popular" history, the narrative is quite easy for the non-lawyer as well as the legal professional to read and profit from--no mean accomplishment in legal history volumes. The endnotes identify valuable sources for further reading on this topic. I found chapter 16, "The Mansfield Judgment," particularly interesting in that apparently there is no 100% official text of Mansfield's decision. The author also does a good job in discussing post-decision developments that reflected the impact of the holding, including some in America. A good solid treatment of an incredibily important legal development.
20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Abolition and a butterfly effect,
By John C. Landon "nemonemini" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Though the Heavens May Fall: James Somerset and the End of Human Slavery (Hardcover)
This well-researched and highly readable account of the Somerset case in the gestation period of the Abolitionist movement brings home just how close to us in time is the phenomenon of slavery and the stark contradictions of social justice and the abysmal conditions of class struggle, mostly sanitized in standard histories. The rescue of James Somerset from certain death in the sugar plantations of the Caribbean and the process of his trial in the labyrinthine system of the British courts is almost a suspence drama. The saga occurs just at the turning point on the question of bondage and freedom and the next generation will struggle on to achieve the result, but this moment shows the breeze picking up before the storm, like a butterfly effect from small changes to massive transformations. Well done account
10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great research on an important case,
By Schmerguls "schmerguls" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Though the Heavens May Fall: James Somerset and the End of Human Slavery (Hardcover)
As on reads this book we know the author has done a careful and excellent job of research in records which it is great still exist. Somerset's case was decided June 22, 1772 by Lord Mansfield and was a vital step to the eventual ending of slavery. This book is so meticulously researched, with careful citations of every case mentioned, that it is a joy to read.
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