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William Wilberforce: A Biography
William Wilberforce's name will forever be associated with the abolition of slavery in the British Empire. This lively biography includes primary documentation about the experience of slaves and slave traders. Drawing on his experience as a journalist and a church historian, Tomkins' book traces Wilberforce's early years as the son of a wealthy merchant family in Hull and his dissolute life in Cambridge. Following his work as an MP under Pitt and his evangelical conversion, he became a campaigner for public morality and led the parliamentary movement for the abolition of slavery. The book covers the formation of the "Clapham Sect" and the passing of the Anti-Slave trade act, up to Wilberforce's death just 3 days after the final reading of the Emancipation Bill.
Paperback
First published January 19, 2007
About the author
Stephen Tomkins
15 books4 followersStephen Tomkins is the author of several books, including biographies of John Wesley and William Wilberforce. He is the deputy editor of Third Way magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 8, 2024
William Wilberforce (1759 - 1833) was probably the most prominent British abolitionist, fighting to abolish the slave trade and slavery for most of his life.
“By 1700, the average Briton consumed 4 lbs of sugar a year. By the time of the abolition campaign, it was 12 lbs, and would increase to 18 lbs by the end of the century (in 2002, that figure was 65 lbs). Much of it was for coffee, drinking chocolate and, above all, tea which was becoming ubiquitous; but Britain also became famous for its puddings, pies, tarts, trifles and ices. What had been an aristocratic luxury only a century before had become an everyday essential. We are told it profits a man nothing if he gains the world and loses his soul, but Britain sold its soul for sweet tea”.
Wilberforce’s fight was deeply rooted in his christian faith, and as lazy as it is for anyone today to note how “obviously good” such a cause is, it was not obviously good in his times — pretty much nowhere in the world.
That’s why his abolitionist proposals in Parliament were constantly beaten, year after year. The stamina of this guy was the stuff of marathon runners. Opponents’ arguments were plenty: “If we give up the slave trade, the French will take over”. “If we abolish slavery, our economy will tank, people won’t be able to pay their mortgages!”. “If we give up the slave trade, we’ll just encourage the rebellion of slaves and there will be more war”. It was not a walk in the park, for Wilberforce, but he finally got there after about 20 years of constant political battle.
The slave trade was abolished by the US at the same time, and from that moment, all the other European countries followed, within a relatively short time.
Stephen Tomkins condenses a very complex history in about 230 pages. It’s great that one of his main sources is Wilberforce’s own personal journal, which gives us a window into his mind and soul. And it’s great that, at the beginning of each chapter, Tomkins includes a few paragraphs from the many witnesses’ descriptions of the treatment of slaves in the “West Indies” and on board the slavers’ ships.
I didn’t find the writing particularly engaging, although this is a secondary issue. It’s a bit clunky and dry. The author often throws around names of British politicians and influential people that he introduced very quickly in only one sentence 5 chapters before, giving for granted that the reader knows who he is talking about.
But again, no big deal. This is a very important biography. Very important history, very well researched.
The abolition of slavery. The end of infanticide. The end of human sacrifice. The end of widespread euthanasia (although this one is making a fantastically successful comeback in Canada and in some other “progressive” countries). The Civil Rights movement against racism. All these things found their profound roots in the Judeo-Christian tradition and values.
They do not stem from the Enlightenment, like some secular professors like Stephen Pinker like to self-satisfactorily think. That would be like saying that an Olympic athlete’s physical shape is due to the exercise that he did in the last couple of weeks.
They also do not stem from “well, you know, kindness and goodness, and from just being a decent person”, like a plethora of atheists like to say. This is a very superficial stance. None of these principles was “obvious” at the time of Jesus. Not even one.
Bless the soul of William Wilberforce, and bless the countless people that he saved from a horrific fate.
More than anything, bless the souls of the millions of slaves who suffered the worst possible pain and humiliation at the hand of their fellow man.
God of the poor and friendless,
Shall this unequalled wrong,
This agony, be endless?
How long, O Lord, how long
Shall man set, on his brother
The iron heal of sin,
The Holy ghost to smother—
To crush the God within!
“By 1700, the average Briton consumed 4 lbs of sugar a year. By the time of the abolition campaign, it was 12 lbs, and would increase to 18 lbs by the end of the century (in 2002, that figure was 65 lbs). Much of it was for coffee, drinking chocolate and, above all, tea which was becoming ubiquitous; but Britain also became famous for its puddings, pies, tarts, trifles and ices. What had been an aristocratic luxury only a century before had become an everyday essential. We are told it profits a man nothing if he gains the world and loses his soul, but Britain sold its soul for sweet tea”.
Wilberforce’s fight was deeply rooted in his christian faith, and as lazy as it is for anyone today to note how “obviously good” such a cause is, it was not obviously good in his times — pretty much nowhere in the world.
That’s why his abolitionist proposals in Parliament were constantly beaten, year after year. The stamina of this guy was the stuff of marathon runners. Opponents’ arguments were plenty: “If we give up the slave trade, the French will take over”. “If we abolish slavery, our economy will tank, people won’t be able to pay their mortgages!”. “If we give up the slave trade, we’ll just encourage the rebellion of slaves and there will be more war”. It was not a walk in the park, for Wilberforce, but he finally got there after about 20 years of constant political battle.
The slave trade was abolished by the US at the same time, and from that moment, all the other European countries followed, within a relatively short time.
Stephen Tomkins condenses a very complex history in about 230 pages. It’s great that one of his main sources is Wilberforce’s own personal journal, which gives us a window into his mind and soul. And it’s great that, at the beginning of each chapter, Tomkins includes a few paragraphs from the many witnesses’ descriptions of the treatment of slaves in the “West Indies” and on board the slavers’ ships.
I didn’t find the writing particularly engaging, although this is a secondary issue. It’s a bit clunky and dry. The author often throws around names of British politicians and influential people that he introduced very quickly in only one sentence 5 chapters before, giving for granted that the reader knows who he is talking about.
But again, no big deal. This is a very important biography. Very important history, very well researched.
The abolition of slavery. The end of infanticide. The end of human sacrifice. The end of widespread euthanasia (although this one is making a fantastically successful comeback in Canada and in some other “progressive” countries). The Civil Rights movement against racism. All these things found their profound roots in the Judeo-Christian tradition and values.
They do not stem from the Enlightenment, like some secular professors like Stephen Pinker like to self-satisfactorily think. That would be like saying that an Olympic athlete’s physical shape is due to the exercise that he did in the last couple of weeks.
They also do not stem from “well, you know, kindness and goodness, and from just being a decent person”, like a plethora of atheists like to say. This is a very superficial stance. None of these principles was “obvious” at the time of Jesus. Not even one.
Bless the soul of William Wilberforce, and bless the countless people that he saved from a horrific fate.
More than anything, bless the souls of the millions of slaves who suffered the worst possible pain and humiliation at the hand of their fellow man.
God of the poor and friendless,
Shall this unequalled wrong,
This agony, be endless?
How long, O Lord, how long
Shall man set, on his brother
The iron heal of sin,
The Holy ghost to smother—
To crush the God within!
November 19, 2021
An excellent short biography from 2007...published on the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the Atlantic Slave Trade...in which William Wiberforce played a pivital role. But, as Stephen Tomkins illustrates in words, Wilberforce continued his campaign to end slavery in the British Empire...until his death in July, 1833...just two days after the final legislation that would lead to the eventual extirpation of such an evil phenomenon passed through Parliament...though other countries showed far less endeavour in ending their own interests in profit from such blatant, human exploitation.
The only major disappointment is contemplating Wilberforce's short-sightedness at not spending as much time with contemporaneous evils closer to home...in mines, factories & up chimneys! So...charity doesn't always begin at home then!
The only major disappointment is contemplating Wilberforce's short-sightedness at not spending as much time with contemporaneous evils closer to home...in mines, factories & up chimneys! So...charity doesn't always begin at home then!
Read
July 24, 2011Even in a 200 page overview, the author brings the subject's considerable depth to life. Could be a good entry point to learn more about him or the dramatic age in which he lived.
February 18, 2021
Read for a winter reading group on Christianity and social justice. Wilberforce is an interesting figure and I appreciate what Tomkins chose to highlight and how he told the life of Wilberforce through the existence of slavery and its abolition. That said, the style is somewhat difficult to read.
October 26, 2010
Well-rounded look at an important man, politician, and Christian. In spite of or because of Wilberforce's humanness, as Tompkins portrayed it, I am eager to read his books still in print.
This is a hard book to put down!
This is a hard book to put down!
May 20, 2012
This book was one included in our Women's Reading Program for Church. I know the story behind William Wilberforce's 20 year legislative battle to outlaw slavery in England. I thought it would be a fascinating read but found it rather pedantic and finally gave up about 1/2 way through. The style of writing could not keep my attention even through I gave it a good try.
June 16, 2023
A fair evenhanded treatment of William Wilberforce.Stephen Tompkins deals with his positively and negatives and his summary of Wilberforce’s life in the last chapter is exceptional.
He uses the biography written by his sons, then supplements it with other sources, materials, including contradictory and opposing viewpoints.
Worth the time to read.
Very highly recommended
He uses the biography written by his sons, then supplements it with other sources, materials, including contradictory and opposing viewpoints.
Worth the time to read.
Very highly recommended
March 23, 2019
Another excellent book about another excellent person. A must read. Wilberforce is a hero of mine. He really had a heart of gold . His steadfast and righteous work on the abolition of slavery and his fight against animal cruelty are a beacon of goodness.
September 24, 2011
it was boring and really hard to read
May 14, 2015
It was insightful. In Wilberforce's day 75% of the world's population was in some form of slavery.
Read
December 7, 2021Avoids hagiography, and provides a good, concise introduction. The story of Wilberforce's role in abolition is, in many ways, "if you at first you don't succeed ... "
December 11, 2019
An overall terrific biography of one of the most prominent figures in the abolitionist movement in Britain, and the trials he and his compatriots faced. Grade: A-
June 2, 2018
William Wilberforce died 139 years - to the day - before I was born. He is the gentleman most closely associated with securing the abolition of the slave trade. Born on 25 August 1759, Wilberforce was the son of a Christian couple and lived for much of his life in Hull. Religion - for many of that era - played a big part in his life and he was, we learn from Stephen Tomkins' book, a man of deep moral and ethical decency. He was also a deep thinker, despite not being a great student. Rather paradoxically (and no doubt perplexing to many), despite being an ardent opponent of slavery he was unmoved by workers rights. This had the effect of making himself enemies on both the Whig and Tory benches of the House of Commons.
Although he was a man of considerable wealth and, we read, he had a privileged existence, this was not lost on Wilberforce - he was aware of his fortunate position in life. Moreover he sought to use his position for the betterment of society. Despite angering many MP's I believe he skillfully played the game of politics in order to achieve his goals. Integrity is the word I would probably use to describe this type of person. Although we are examining events of history (and therefore do not have the luxury of first hand accounts) it can be deduced that Wilberforce was a man of great energy and determination. He was driven to right wrongs and fight injustices. But he knew that he needed the support of those at the top to be sure of success.
His friendship with William Pitt The Younger was key and this alliance - although by no means always harmonious - gained Wilberforce credibility. One must also understand the times in which he lived in. Religion was still an extremely potent weapon in the England (indeed most of Europe) of the 18th and 19th centuries. Faith went beyond simply belief in God, it meant living by a strict moral code. This governed everything that Wilberforce did and added to his reputation.
Reading Tomkin's well written book on the life of Wilberforce, one wonders who today could come nearest the latter's crusade for a better society. Many are put off by religious dogma and the hypocrisy of many forms of organised religion (notably the Catholic Church) has helped destroy our faith in the goodness that religion can bring. In the early 21st century, it has become fashionable to say one is an athiest or non religious - for very understandable reasons. Perhaps if more religious figures had used their influence to better the world, instead of merely preaching, religion would be in a better place today.
In recent weeks Cardinal Pell in Australia was put on trial for sexual abuse of children. No doubt if William Wilberforce were alive today and heard about the Pell case he would be appalled. Religion has been very badly served by many within its ranks. Today more than ever men such as Wilberforce are needed in this world. In both the political and religious spheres, his contributions deserve to be remembered and revered. In times a lot less enlightened than today Wilberforce achieved titanic social change that must have required deep resources of moral courage. It is truly extraordinary to read of the life of one of the greatest Englishmen to ever have lived.
In conclusion, the struggles that Wilberforce and his associates went through to eventually get slavery banned were immense and took years to enact. Several key moments along the way helped ease the passage for the Abolitionists. Tomkins writes that Pitt The Younger's death in 1806 made it easier for Wilberforce. But for this reader it seems it was the Act of Union (itself introduced some years earlier by Pitt) that was pivotal. The Act, it could be said was the undoing of the British wing of the slave trade. Why? Because it swelled the membership of the House of Commons and it brought the Irish members to Westminster. This had the effect of diluting the hitherto formidable political potency of the Tory/Whig parliament.
When the Bill to abolish slavery was put before the Houses in 1807 it was passed and eventually received Royal ascent. There is little doubt that the contribution of Ireland's MP's played a large part in Wilberforce's triumph. As an Irishman and passionate believer in human rights it makes me proud that my country had a strong hand in abolishing one of the greatest injustices the world has ever known.
Although he was a man of considerable wealth and, we read, he had a privileged existence, this was not lost on Wilberforce - he was aware of his fortunate position in life. Moreover he sought to use his position for the betterment of society. Despite angering many MP's I believe he skillfully played the game of politics in order to achieve his goals. Integrity is the word I would probably use to describe this type of person. Although we are examining events of history (and therefore do not have the luxury of first hand accounts) it can be deduced that Wilberforce was a man of great energy and determination. He was driven to right wrongs and fight injustices. But he knew that he needed the support of those at the top to be sure of success.
His friendship with William Pitt The Younger was key and this alliance - although by no means always harmonious - gained Wilberforce credibility. One must also understand the times in which he lived in. Religion was still an extremely potent weapon in the England (indeed most of Europe) of the 18th and 19th centuries. Faith went beyond simply belief in God, it meant living by a strict moral code. This governed everything that Wilberforce did and added to his reputation.
Reading Tomkin's well written book on the life of Wilberforce, one wonders who today could come nearest the latter's crusade for a better society. Many are put off by religious dogma and the hypocrisy of many forms of organised religion (notably the Catholic Church) has helped destroy our faith in the goodness that religion can bring. In the early 21st century, it has become fashionable to say one is an athiest or non religious - for very understandable reasons. Perhaps if more religious figures had used their influence to better the world, instead of merely preaching, religion would be in a better place today.
In recent weeks Cardinal Pell in Australia was put on trial for sexual abuse of children. No doubt if William Wilberforce were alive today and heard about the Pell case he would be appalled. Religion has been very badly served by many within its ranks. Today more than ever men such as Wilberforce are needed in this world. In both the political and religious spheres, his contributions deserve to be remembered and revered. In times a lot less enlightened than today Wilberforce achieved titanic social change that must have required deep resources of moral courage. It is truly extraordinary to read of the life of one of the greatest Englishmen to ever have lived.
In conclusion, the struggles that Wilberforce and his associates went through to eventually get slavery banned were immense and took years to enact. Several key moments along the way helped ease the passage for the Abolitionists. Tomkins writes that Pitt The Younger's death in 1806 made it easier for Wilberforce. But for this reader it seems it was the Act of Union (itself introduced some years earlier by Pitt) that was pivotal. The Act, it could be said was the undoing of the British wing of the slave trade. Why? Because it swelled the membership of the House of Commons and it brought the Irish members to Westminster. This had the effect of diluting the hitherto formidable political potency of the Tory/Whig parliament.
When the Bill to abolish slavery was put before the Houses in 1807 it was passed and eventually received Royal ascent. There is little doubt that the contribution of Ireland's MP's played a large part in Wilberforce's triumph. As an Irishman and passionate believer in human rights it makes me proud that my country had a strong hand in abolishing one of the greatest injustices the world has ever known.
March 19, 2024
This is a thorough look at William Wilberforce's life and legacy. Tomkins clearly admires Wilberforce, but does not flinch in exploring some of the contradictions in his life. The text is arranged chronologically, and you get a lot of insight into British history and politics along the way. The writing is accessible. Each chapter starts with a quote from or about a slave in that period, to continually reinforce the horrors of slavery. The book is fair in giving credit to other people involved in the fight for abolition, but it also is clear that Wilberforce was a major driving force.
Although Wilberforce's role in ending slavery is the major theme, I was interested to learn about Wilberforce's other interests and actions in social justice. For example, he helped found the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
Although Wilberforce's role in ending slavery is the major theme, I was interested to learn about Wilberforce's other interests and actions in social justice. For example, he helped found the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
January 31, 2020
La biografía de William Wilberforce por Stephen Tomkins. El escritor hizo un buen trabajo en resumir la vida inspiradora de Wilberforce, un hombre que a pesar de la época en la que vivía decidió dar lo mejor de sí y luchar con su intelecto y dinero por los principios de la libertad de aquellos más necesitados.
July 6, 2022
Really really good. Such a complex character as he vehemently fought for the abolition of slavery, while simultaneously suppressing the rights of Catholics in the Britain. I really enjoyed reading about him
February 16, 2012
Quick read on Wilberforce. Anything about him is normally a good read. What a laborer during his life. Hard to believe what he accomplished with no computer or technology... Amazing....
February 18, 2013
A concise and interesting account of the life of a very interesting man. Reading this book has prompted me to search for further history of the Enlightenment and Methodism.
April 15, 2014
A thoughtful approach to the big events and motivations of Wilberforce's life.
January 8, 2015
It kept my interest, despite being historical.
June 9, 2015
This one is a nodder. Could hardly keep my eyes open.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews