John Newton 
Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade 

In ‘Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade’ by John Newton, the author delves into the horrors of the slave trade and shares his first-hand accounts as a former slave ship captain. Newton’s writing style is thought-provoking and deeply reflective, offering a vivid portrayal of the inhumanity and brutality faced by African slaves. The book presents a stark critique of the trade and challenges the reader to confront the moral implications of such practices. Set in the 18th century, the book provides valuable historical insights into the transatlantic slave trade and the abolitionist movement. Newton’s narrative is engaging and poignant, making it a compelling read for those interested in the history of slavery and social justice. As a former participant in the slave trade who later became an advocate for abolition, Newton’s personal transformation adds a unique perspective to the narrative. ‘Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade’ is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this dark chapter in history.

About the author

John Newton (1725–1807) is renowned for his transformation from a slave trade captain to a committed abolitionist and influential Christian hymn writer, notably penning the iconic hymn ‘Amazing Grace.’ His early career was marked by participation in the transatlantic slave trade, but after a profound spiritual conversion, Newton’s moral compass underwent a significant shift which led him to renounce his past and work toward the abolition of slavery. As a stark reflection on his involvement and repentance, Newton authored ‘Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade’ (1788), a compelling treatise that provides a vivid and condemnatory account of the inhuman conditions aboard slave ships and the broader implications of the trade itself. His introspective and sincere narrative was harnessed by the abolitionist movement, becoming an influencing voice in the eventual abolition of the British slave trade in 1807. Newton’s literary style in this work is characterized by candid, reflective prose, intertwining personal experience and moral persuasion. The book remains a significant contribution to the historic and ethical discourse surrounding the slave trade, symbolizing a turning point not only in Newton’s life but also in the historical movement against slavery.