Slavery: Bondage Throughout History

by Richard Watkins

Since the beginning of civilization there have been slaves. Men and women, young and old, black and white, from China to Brazil and everywhere in between, millions have been enslaved. Richard Watkins... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0395922895
• ISBN13: 9780395922897
• Release Date: March 2001
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 10.9" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 10 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 7

Customer Reviews

Good beginning at explaining slavery to younger people

In the USA, slavery is tinted by the nature of slavery here from the 15th to 19th centuries. Slavery did not begin in the New World nor was New World slavery typical of the condition throughout history and around the world. Watkins is the first real attempt I've seen at trying to express this reality on the level that a older grade schooler or a junior high student could understand. In 15 short chapters, the variety of slavery is fairly good. However, at least 6 chapters are focused on the New World but these are mixed in with the other chapters making it a bit awkward to follow. There are a few errors in the book and some contradictions that are not explained by the inherite contradictions of human slavery. Frankly the bibliography is horribly brief and very New World focused too. Add into this that the tone is rather judgemental especially about slavery in the modern world. So why 4 stars? This is a very brief book whose target audience is the 14 under group. The pictures are beautiful and I think that Watkins is riding a good balance between too much information and realistic information.