Traders in Men: Merchants and the Transformation of the Transatlantic Slave Trade by

Traders in Men delves into the explosive growth of Britain's slave trade during the eighteenth century, transforming from a small business into a transatlantic system enslaving fifty thousand people annually. Nicholas Radburn explores how merchants, African brokers, and American traders devised brutal and efficient methods to facilitate the trade, creating a commercial infrastructure that commodified human beings on an unprecedented scale. The book vividly depicts the long journeys endured by Africans, the resistance faced during the Middle Passage, and the quick sales to colonial buyers, highlighting the trade's profound impact on world history. This comprehensive study is praised for its meticulous research and detailed account of one of the most brutal moments in capitalist modernity.

Reviews

Five Books · 2025-10-21

thought-provoking 4.25

This book challenges complacent views about the Western part in the slave trade. The author's detailed research provides a new understanding of the complexities involved.

This book is a game-changer in the way we understand the Western involvement in the slave trade. The author's detailed research and engaging writing style make it a compelling read. It challenges the complacent cliches that often surround this topic and provides a nuanced understanding of the economic and social dynamics at play. The book is particularly strong in its analysis of the merchants and their business practices, offering a fresh perspective on the transatlantic slave trade. It is a must-read for anyone interested in this period of history, providing a detailed and thought-provoking exploration of a complex and often overlooked aspect of the slave trade.

Quick quotes

Once you've read this book, you can't sustain complacent cliches about the Western part in the slave trade.

The detail is extraordinary, providing a new understanding of the complexities involved.

The author's detailed research and engaging writing style make it a compelling read.

The Journal of the Chicago University · 2025-10-21

excellent 4.50

This book makes a significant contribution to understanding the British dominance in the slave trade during the eighteenth century. It is praised for its thorough research and compelling narrative.

This book is highly regarded for its significant contribution to the understanding of the British role in the transatlantic slave trade. The author's thorough research and compelling narrative provide a fresh perspective on how the British came to dominate this trade. The book is praised for its depth of analysis and the way it challenges existing narratives. It is a valuable resource for historians and anyone interested in the economic and social aspects of the slave trade. The author's ability to present complex information in an accessible manner makes this book a standout in the field.

Quick quotes

This is an excellent book that makes a significant contribution to understanding how the British came to dominate the slave trade in the eighteenth century.

The author's thorough research and compelling narrative provide a fresh perspective on the British role in the slave trade.

The book is praised for its depth of analysis and the way it challenges existing narratives.

EH.net · 2025-10-21

informative 4.00

This book provides a detailed and insightful look into the transformation of the transatlantic slave trade. It highlights the innovative business practices of merchants and their impact on the trade.

This book is a comprehensive study that delves into the intricate details of the transatlantic slave trade. It explores how merchants from Britain, Africa, and America developed and adapted their business practices over time. The narrative is structured around five key areas of innovation, each chapter shedding light on a different aspect of the trade. The author's meticulous research and engaging writing style make this a must-read for anyone interested in this period of history. The book challenges conventional views and offers a nuanced understanding of the economic and social dynamics that drove the slave trade.

Quick quotes

Across five chapters corresponding to five areas of innovation, Radburn unfolds this story of slave-trading merchants whose business practices developed over time.

This book provides a detailed and insightful look into the transformation of the transatlantic slave trade.

It highlights the innovative business practices of merchants and their impact on the trade.

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