Slavery in Medieval and Early Modern Iberia by William D. Phillips Jr. (review)
Over the last few decades, the study of slavery in medieval and early modern Iberia has expanded considerably with dozens of monographs and scores of articles. Building on this rich scholarship as well as his own extensive knowledge of the field, Phillips has crafted an engaging synthesis that will be welcomed by experts and newcomers alike. And although the book suffers from the typical weakness of synthetic works—depth sacrificed for breadth—I would suggest that even those who are experts in the field will find Phillips’ work meaningful, filled as it is with details, anecdotes, and insights. The book also has the laudable goal of bringing many recent works of scholarship, some better known than others, to the attention of a broader audience (p. 5). In this effort, the author is particularly successful, as he is able to draw in even marginal and tangential sources.