Wilberforce

March 1, 1997
Americans know the name of Wilberforce because of Bishop Wilberforce, who, in a debate with T.H. Huxley on evolution, became the brunt of Huxley's now famous remark that he would rather an ape for an ancestor than an angel who was careless with the truth. The William Wilberforce of this fascinating biography was the father of that bishop and an important name in the history of religious and social reform. In 1787, the Yorkshire parliamentarian wrote in his diary, "God Almighty has set before me two great objects: the suppression of the slave trade, and the reformation of manners." By "manners" Wilberforce meant morals, and his intense piety led not to sanctimony but to vigorous philanthropy and humanitarianism. Working with sympathetic parties, he established social customs (e.g., the regular saying of prayer in homes), advanced bills (as well as habits) of toleration, and instituted societies for the advancement of religion that would become common features of Victorian society. Most importantly, he spearheaded the movement that succeeded in abolishing the slave trade in England and led to the Emancipation Act. This beautifully written and highly engaging biography, narrated by Frederick Davidson with the ease and urbanity of a fireside chat, fills an important historical gap and warrants a place in every collection.--Peter Josyph, New York