Super Short Summary

In Slavery and Social Death: A Comparative Study, Orlando Patterson analyzes the internal and external aspects of slavery across sixty-six societies, differentiating between structurally significant slavery and less entrenched forms, while examining three universal features: coercion, natal alienation, and dishonor. Patterson argues that slavery inherently involves a "social death," stripping individuals of identity and self-worth, ultimately shaping the concept of freedom. This book includes graphic descriptions of violence and inhumane treatment.