David S. Cecelski

This is a good study of a rather unexplored area of history: slaver in maritime North Carolina. The research is solid. The conclusions are cautious. There are two problems. The first is that Cecelski over-romanticizes life on the water. The second is that the last chapter is way out of place. It just does not fit in the book.

An impressive body of research, well written by someone who not only is dedicated to his subject but knows from regional experience whereof he writes.