The Life of William Wilberforce

This five-volume biography of abolitionist William Wilberforce, drawn from his own writings, was published in 1838 by his sons.

William Wilberforce (1759–1833) was a politician, philanthropist and evangelical Christian, now best known for his efforts to end the slave trade. This five-volume biography, drawn from his diaries and letters, was published by his sons in 1838, and shows the circumstances and motivations which drove Wilberforce's career.William Wilberforce (1759–1833) was a politician, philanthropist and evangelical Christian, now best known for his work to end the slave trade. Elected to Parliament in 1780, he campaigned unsuccessfully for penal and electoral reform. In 1787, at the encouragement of his friend William Pitt, he took up the cause of abolition at Westminster and lobbied influential people tirelessly, but humanitarian and ethical arguments were slow to overcome the economic interests of those who had made fortunes from the slave trade or the use of slave labour. It was not until 1807 that the Abolition Bill was finally passed. Wilberforce continued his work for emancipation, and also campaigned for religious liberty. This biography, based on his own writings, was published by two of his sons in 1838, but sheds more light on religious than on political aspects of his life. Volume 1 covers the period from his birth until 1792.