A very rare work illustrating the “Jim Crow” following the end of British Slavery. After the work of William Wilberforce, the Clapham Sect, etc. that led ultimately to the formal abolition of slavery, a system of “apprenticeship” was set up for the Island of Jamaica. With poor oversight and the staggering fortunes of English sugar barons on the line, in reality, at least in the Jamaica experience, in most instances it was simply a recodification of slavery.

The present work, produced under the auspices of the London Anti-Slavery Society, was designed to ensure the English public did not believe that the passing of a law would automatically mean the wealthy and powerful, who had previously been more than willing to exploit slaves, would suddenly experience a heart change. The formal abolition of slavery was the starting point of racial equality, not the end.

London Anti-Slavery Society, A. L. Palmer. A Statement of Facts, Illustrating the Administration of the Abolition Law, and the Sufferings of the Negro Apprentices in the Island of Jamaica. London. Printed by John Haddon. Sold by William Ball. 1837. 36pp.

Very rare with only 5 institutional copies. Minor inner margin stain and chipping. Else very sound, crisp and clean. Scarce on the market.