An excessively scarce first edition of Clarkson's most significant interaction specifically with efforts toward the abolition of slavery in the United States.
In it, he addresses clergy first, as stewards of the souls of Christians in America and as Christ's shepherds to all people, including those under the yoke of tyranny. He opens by clarifying that he does not wish to be overly severe with the clergy, but after 56 years in the battle, admits he cannot avoid his communication of the clarity of the crimes minister commit by active or passive complicity in the perpetuation of slavery.
He then proceeds to the slave-holders themselves . . . and if he had held little back for the clergy, he gives up all restraint here. It is a blistering, close, unapologetically direct calling to account of the entire system of slavery, especially in the South.
An important work for any abolitionist collection, but very scarce on the market with no copies available or at recent auction.
Clarkson, Thomas. A Letter to the Clergy of Various Denominations and the Slave-Holding Planters, in the Southern Parts of the United States. London. Johnston and Barrett. 1841. 64pp.
Good copy of a very scarce abolitionist work. Lower corner of colored wraps absent as shown. Final two leaves losses at lower corner without textual loss.