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Thomas Clarkson: The Giant With One Idea
Thomas Clarkson was the son of a clergyman who lived in a time when it was legal to buy and sell slaves. He believed this was wrong, and campaigned to make sure this changed. He was instrumental in making sure that no human being could be bought or sold in the British Empire.
160 pages, Paperback
Published May 7, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 21, 2021
The Giant with One Idea is the biography of Thomas Clarkson. In 1785, Thomas was an ordained deacon preparing to become a vicar, when he won a Latin essay competition on the subject: “Is it right to make slaves of others against their will?” Thomas had decided to enter the competition before he even knew the topic. He was good at Latin and enjoyed research. However, the research for the essay changed his life as he was confronted with the appalling conditions that slaves endured. He felt God’s call to commit his life to the abolition of the slave trade.
This biography details the many difficulties that Thomas encountered over decades until the Slavery Abolition Act passed in 1833. He was so committed to his task, he risked his life and his health to seek out evidence and witnesses to convince parliament of the evils of slavery. Along the way, he met others with the same commitment including William Wilberforce. Wilberforce became better known than Clarkson since he was the Member of Parliament who brought the matter before the government on numerous occasions.
Emily Maurits has produced a well-written and well-researched account of Clarkson’s life. The book is aimed at 9- to 12-year-olds and is part of the Trail Blazers series. This book is an important addition to this series for the historical information it contains. Emily has also included some bonus features including questions for further study, a timeline and a note about modern slavery.
Overall an important read since slavery continues to be a problem in our world.
Thanks to Christian Focus for providing a free copy for review.
This biography details the many difficulties that Thomas encountered over decades until the Slavery Abolition Act passed in 1833. He was so committed to his task, he risked his life and his health to seek out evidence and witnesses to convince parliament of the evils of slavery. Along the way, he met others with the same commitment including William Wilberforce. Wilberforce became better known than Clarkson since he was the Member of Parliament who brought the matter before the government on numerous occasions.
Emily Maurits has produced a well-written and well-researched account of Clarkson’s life. The book is aimed at 9- to 12-year-olds and is part of the Trail Blazers series. This book is an important addition to this series for the historical information it contains. Emily has also included some bonus features including questions for further study, a timeline and a note about modern slavery.
Overall an important read since slavery continues to be a problem in our world.
Thanks to Christian Focus for providing a free copy for review.
July 6, 2021
Everyone has heard of Wilberforce - but not so many know of Thomas Clarkson the man who spurred Wilberforce on and worked tirelessly gathering evidence and witnesses, writing papers and persuading people of the evil of the perfidious Slave Trade often at great risk and against great opposition.
Thomas Clarkson: The Giant with One Idea by Emily J. Maurits is an readable and gripping biography of Thomas Clarkson's life, exploring what motivated him and the great lengths he went to turn a nation (and the world) in which a handful of Quakers and other opposed the slave trade (plus of course, the Africans who spoke out against it or endured it) with many powerful people supporting it for their own gain or through complacency and ignorance, to a world in which a groundswell of people found it abhorrent and were willing, with boycotts, petitions and other means, to pressure parliament to end the trade and the practice of slavery itself.
The book is suitable (and no doubt aimed) for younger readers though some of the content is and should be disturbing. My main disappointment was that a page of sources for the biography was not included, especially as Clarkson had a habit of burning his letters.
I received a free print copy of the book for review. My opinions are my own.
Thomas Clarkson: The Giant with One Idea by Emily J. Maurits is an readable and gripping biography of Thomas Clarkson's life, exploring what motivated him and the great lengths he went to turn a nation (and the world) in which a handful of Quakers and other opposed the slave trade (plus of course, the Africans who spoke out against it or endured it) with many powerful people supporting it for their own gain or through complacency and ignorance, to a world in which a groundswell of people found it abhorrent and were willing, with boycotts, petitions and other means, to pressure parliament to end the trade and the practice of slavery itself.
The book is suitable (and no doubt aimed) for younger readers though some of the content is and should be disturbing. My main disappointment was that a page of sources for the biography was not included, especially as Clarkson had a habit of burning his letters.
I received a free print copy of the book for review. My opinions are my own.
August 22, 2022
It was great to learn more about Thomas Clarkson who I knew from the film, Amazing Grace. This book shows the value of teamwork and it is obvious that TC did a HUGE amount of work in gathering evidence so that Wilberforce could carry the fight against slavery to parliament.
Well worth reading as an adult or for 11-14 year olds which is the age that the Trailblazer series is written for.
A quote I liked: "Ordinary men and women, even Christians, were able to convince themselves that money and comfort were more important than justice of kindness." (was this describing two hundred years ago or today?"
Well worth reading as an adult or for 11-14 year olds which is the age that the Trailblazer series is written for.
A quote I liked: "Ordinary men and women, even Christians, were able to convince themselves that money and comfort were more important than justice of kindness." (was this describing two hundred years ago or today?"
September 25, 2021
It's amazing that before learning about this book, I had never heard the name 'Thomas Clarkson'. Yet his story is so central in the abolition of slavery movement that it is a name everyone should know! The writer honours this story and brings it to life with rich historical detail combined with compelling characterisation, skilfully recounting the decisions and events in Thomas' life that led to his dedicated fight against slavery. The clear writing and direct tone made it an easy, enjoyable read.
Thomas Clarkson's story long deserved to be told with all the passion and commitment with which it was lived - this book does just that.
Thomas Clarkson's story long deserved to be told with all the passion and commitment with which it was lived - this book does just that.
October 9, 2021
I really enjoyed this inspiring story. Thomas Clarkson's faith in God and how this impacts his passion for justice really shines through. Clarkson was adventurous, bold and didn't let anything stop him from his fight against slavery. Definitely worth learning and being inspired from this unsung hero of the abolition of slavery!
June 28, 2021
I thought I knew quite a lot about the abolitionist movement... until I read this book! Although aimed at a child readership (for readers aged 9-14) Thomas Clarkson: The Giant with One Idea is a great insight into another one of the heroes of the fight against slavery.
This is a well researched biography that tells the story of Thomas' childhood, the turning point for his life and the tireless work thereafter. I was struck by the years of campainging and dedication those involved took. This is a good book to share with young people to encourage them to seek their calling in faith and then stick to it with grit, even if the end is a long way off and the journey may contain a lot of disappointment.
The book is great for generating discussion too, with detailed discussion starters and questions included at the back of the book for all chapters. Worth a read.
This is a well researched biography that tells the story of Thomas' childhood, the turning point for his life and the tireless work thereafter. I was struck by the years of campainging and dedication those involved took. This is a good book to share with young people to encourage them to seek their calling in faith and then stick to it with grit, even if the end is a long way off and the journey may contain a lot of disappointment.
The book is great for generating discussion too, with detailed discussion starters and questions included at the back of the book for all chapters. Worth a read.
October 11, 2021
I really loved reading this book!
What a thoroughly interesting look at one of history’s great Christian men. It was well researched & sobering to read.
I am actually inspired to write more letters encouraging people in my own life after reading about Thomas Clarkson’s efforts to spark action in the lives of so many men & women in the cause of Anti-slavery laws.
This book was also read by one of my 10yr old twins. She enjoyed it also, & read it to the end.
Highly recommended
What a thoroughly interesting look at one of history’s great Christian men. It was well researched & sobering to read.
I am actually inspired to write more letters encouraging people in my own life after reading about Thomas Clarkson’s efforts to spark action in the lives of so many men & women in the cause of Anti-slavery laws.
This book was also read by one of my 10yr old twins. She enjoyed it also, & read it to the end.
Highly recommended
January 2, 2024
So dedicated to what he saw as God’s mission for him to help get slavery abolished. I was astounded by all he did and went through. Humble, extremely hardworking and faith-filled. Backbreaking work ensued. What a guy! Thank the Lord for folk like him, and may we be as faithful, if called to a task.
June 15, 2021
I loved reading this book .... it opened my eyes to a noble man who changed the world for good ... it was a compelling read & I highly recommend it !!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews