Crucial topics in Caribbean and wider African diaspora history, from the early period of colonisation through to the era of decolonisation are covered in this collection edited by Verene Shepherd. The book examines the impact and implications of the British Atlantic project, particularly with respect to the evolution of the system of African enslavement, the construction and maintenance of an economy and society based on such enslavement, and the liberation struggles of enslaved and freed peoples. The issues are explored by leading scholars who all continue the scholarly conversation on slavery and freedom in the Caribbean, Africa and the African diaspora as well as collaborate on a project to mark Barry Higman’s contribution to the ever-widening field of slavery studies.