Dorset writer’s book on slave trade origins
Added: (Tue Jun 27 2023)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
A leading light on gypsy travellers is now hoping to break the shackles on the European origins of the slave trade.
Over recent decades Ray Wills has established himself as an authority on the history and customs of travellers.
Affectionately known as the Gypsy poet, the 76-year-old is an entertaining contributor to Travellers’ Times, and has published several authoritative books on the subject, including Where the River Bends, Gypsy Storyteller and The Gypsy Camp.
But now Ray, who lives in the artists’ community of Bere Regis in Dorset, has turned his attentions to the slave trade.
And he believes there is much more to the cruel money-making schemes than the slave ships, Caribbean plantations and abolitionists that warrant most discussion.
Ray explained: “People should ask questions about the slave trade.
“What are the roots of slavery – who took who as slaves to begin with, and for what purpose?
“Why did slavery as a trade ever exist?
“We must ask ourselves, what role did governments, the church, and others play in such a cruel and barbaric trade?
“I hope that in the pages of The Forgotten Peoples, I answer these questions.”
The Forgotten Peoples explores the origins of slavery in Eastern Europe where Spanish Muslims bought and sold the Slavic people during the 9th Century.
In his remarkably well-researched book, Ray follows the trail of exploitation through the continent and the centuries as other countries and civilisations exploited and capitalised on forced labour.
Making connections between regional slavery and what was to become a worldwide industry is far from straight-forward, but The Forgotten Peoples provides a compelling argument.
Ray added: “Long before the cruel trade in slavery had reached Africa, white and Gypsy Roma slaves were being bought and sold.
“This is he real history of slavery and I reveal the figures who facilitated and benefitted from this terrible trade.
“For anyone with an interest in slavery, The Forgotten Peoples is for you.”
Away from the lap-top Ray is an advocate of the Kushti-Bok gypsy welfare organisation.
He also works closely with museums to advise on travelling life displays and exhibitions.
For more information visit Amazon and search for Ray Wills, where the paperback and kindle versions of The Forgotten Peoples are available.
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