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. ( )