'Sean Stilwell presents us with a powerful entry into the rich debate on the nature and history of slavery and slaving in Africa. His book represents both a valuable point of entry for any scholar moving into this field and a superb synthesis of recent research across the continent for those of us trying to keep up. Stilwell also manages to stake out positions in key debates that respond to recent scholarship, like that from Joe Miller, while inviting new avenues of deliberation. This volume thus serves as a monograph, a historiography, and an excellent teaching text all in one book.' Trevor R. Getz, Professor of History, San Francisco State University