Allen Stouffer's analysis of Ontario's response to the freedmen reveals a virulent strain of racism that helps to explain why British North Americans were slow to join their British and American counterparts in the North Atlantic antislavery triangle. After exploring the Canadian churches' mixed reaction to antislavery, he applies cliometrics to draw a socio-economic profile of Canadian antislavery's leaders and followers. Employing British, American, and Canadian primary sources, Stouffer has written this study the first book-length examination of Canadian antislavery from a British North American perspective. Earlier studies concluded that Canadian anti-slavery was largely the result of Canada's proximity to the United States, a proximity which precluded Canada's ignoring the situation. While Stouffer recognizes the importance of the American influence, he shows that the leaders of Canadian anti-slavery were immigrants from Britain who had been deeply involved in antislavery in their homeland.

Allen P. Stouffer's profile page

"Stouffer's opening survey of the existing literature is judicious and thorough and it sets the tone for the book, which is careful, intelligent, and fresh ... The book is clearly written, strongly argued, and amply documented." Robin Winks, Department of History, Yale University. "Excellent ... thoughtful ... There is good context throughout, particularly on the British background. I suspect Stouffer's findings will evoke rather sober responses ... We find no-nonsense acknowledgements of the power of racism in Ontario. I respect Stouffer for his honesty and candor." Craig Simpson, Department of History, University of Western Ontario.

"Stouffer's opening survey of the existing literature is judicious and thorough and it sets the tone for the book, which is careful, intelligent, and fresh ... The book is clearly written, strongly argued, and amply documented." Robin Winks, Department of History, Yale University.
"Excellent ... thoughtful ... There is good context throughout, particularly on the British background. I suspect Stouffer's findings will evoke rather sober responses ... We find no-nonsense acknowledgements of the power of racism in Ontario. I respect Stouffer for his honesty and candor." Craig Simpson, Department of History, University of Western Ontario.