Join John D O Fulton WS and Edinburgh World Heritage at the Signet Library on Thursday 13 June. 

The new ideas and values that emerged from Scotland between the mid-eighteenth and mid-nineteenth century were shaped by the moral dilemmas of the day. As such, the story of the Scottish Enlightenment is intertwined with that of slavery and the slave trade.

John D O Fulton WS in his new book explores this nuanced and conflicting relationship via the compelling life stories of an extraordinary cast of characters—from Jamaican plantation owners to America’s original private eye, Glaswegian merchants to London revolutionaries, escaped American slaves to indomitable female crusaders fighting for America’s soul. They lived in a period of seismic historical events, legal reforms and moral shifts, with slavery at the centre. From a Scottish perspective, Slavery and the Scottish Enlightenment gives a rich, diverse and dramatic account of this momentous period, while examining its relevance to our society today.

John will be presenting his book and expanding on his research. Robert Pirrie WS, Chief Executive will host a Q&A after the presentation.

Doors open from 17.30, the event will start at 18.00.

Tickets are £12. WS members can use discount code WSEWH. All funds raised will be donated to Edinburgh World Heritage (Scottish registered charity SC037183).