No Abolition of Slavery / Or the Universal Empire of Love, A poem

Name: No Abolition of Slavery / Or the Universal Empire of Love, A poem
Author: James Boswell

By James Boswell

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Poetry

About This Book

The poem is a satirical address to West-India planters and merchants that defends plantation slavery while ridiculing abolitionist politicians and reformers. It blends partisan invective and caricature of parliamentary figures with vivid contrasts between impoverished urban Britain and an idealized view of contented labor on tropical estates. The speaker argues that social hierarchy and subordination are natural and beneficial, lampooning committee debates and reformist rhetoric, and advances a paternalistic portrayal of colonial society. The work concludes by rejecting legislative abolition and insisting that affection and orderly relations, rather than parliamentary measures, should govern social ties.

About the Author

James Boswell

James Boswell (1740-1795) was a Scottish biographer and diarist, best known for his detailed account of the life of Samuel Johnson, one of the most significant figures in English literature. His seminal work, "The Life of Johnson," is celebrated for its rich narrative style and insight into Johnson's character, as well as for its broader reflections on 18th-century society. Boswell's writings often blend personal anecdotes with literary criticism, showcasing his talent for capturing the essence of his subjects. In addition to his biography of Johnson, he authored several other works, including "Boswelliana," a collection of his thoughts and observations, and "Anecdotes of the Learned Pig." His contributions have left a lasting impact on the genre of biography.