Hull's Greatest Son
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Tompkin's has written a sympathetic biography of the great reformer but the author shows a better understanding of Wiberforce's Christianity than he does of his conservatism. I think that the author is in danger of judging Wilberforce by 21st century standards over his opposition to trades unions, support of fewer of civil liberties in the face of threatened French invasion and the persecution of the promoters of atheistic books. Wilberforce's campaign to abolish the slave trade is the major theme of the book as it was the dominating thing in his life. But this history would be improved by the inclusion of a brief chronology or time line, putting Wilberforce's campaign and life in the world historic context of the time which included the American and French revolutions as well as the rise and fall of Napoleon. Wilberforce turned down all office and advancement including a peerage. He was ever a man of principle not party, a great philanthropist and saint whose perseverance was a greater gift than his oratory.
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A new slant on a ground well covered
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Tomkins' book follows an increasing number of biographies of William Wilberforce, Pollock's book being considered the first best of its kind. Here Tomkins attempts to update the view of Wilberforce from a generally secular viewpoint, bringing in many observations and connections about his life. The book is generally well-balanced, with Wilberforce's apparent slow pace being explained in terms of the political situation at the time, especially the French revolution and its ensuing war, and the poverty of industrial Britons. The radicalism shown by many of his contemporaries would not have played well in parliament, which was generally not too worried about public opinion. The more cautious approach was more likely to succeed. A useful introduction and worthwhile additions - SHW
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