Though the Heavens May Fall: The Landmark Trial That Led to the End of Human Slavery

Title: Though the Heavens May Fall: The Landmark Trial That Led to the End of Human Slavery Author: Steven M Wise ISBN: 9780306814501 Publisher: Da Capo Press Published: 2006 Binding: Paperback Language: English Condition: New New from the publisher European History 1618025 Publisher Description: How one man's case changed the trajectory of slavery and the global abolition movement forever. 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 Mansfi