The Atlantic Slave Trade: A Consensus

by Philip D. Curtin

Curtin combines modern research and statistical methods with his broad knowledge of the field to present the first book-length quantitative analysis of the Atlantic slave trade.  Its basic evidence suggests revision of currently held opinions concerning the place of the slave trade in the economies of the Old World nations and their American colonies.

“Curtin’s work will not only be the starting point for all future research on the slave trade and comparative slavery, but will become an indispensable reference for anyone interested in Afro-American studies.”— Journal of American History

“Curtin has produced a stimulating monograph, the product of immaculate scholarship, against which all past and future studies will have to be judged.”— Journal of American Studies

“Professor Curtin’s new book is up to his customary standard of performance: within the limits he set for himself, The Atlantic Slave Trade could hardly be a better or more important book.”— American Historical Review

 

Genres: History, Africa, Historical, American History

358 pages, Paperback

First published January 15, 1969

About the author

Philip DeArmond Curtin, 22 May 1922 - 4 June 2009, was a wide-ranging and influential historian whose pioneering use of modern statistical methods to determine the extent of the Atlantic slave trade suggested that far fewer slaves were transported from Africa than had previously been thought.

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the first historians to draw together all the information on the slave trade; his estimate of the numbers involved are now viewed as rather conservative, however this book is an excellent starting point and should not be excluded from any in-depth evaluation of the Transatlantic slave trade.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heavy on numbers, but it is a census. Examines the slave trade of Spain, France, and England in depth. Excellent charts that show where slaves were taken from as well as where they were sent to.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Cliometricians dream come true...though it is a bit dated now.