The revolutionary life of an 18th-century dwarf activist who was among
the first to fight against slavery and animal cruelty.
Prophet Against Slavery is an action-packed chronicle of the
remarkable and radical Benjamin Lay, based on the award-winning
biography by Marcus Rediker that sparked the Quaker community to
re-embrace Lay after 280 years of disownment. Graphic novelist David
Lester brings the full scope of Lay's activism and ideas to life.
Born in 1682 to a humble Quaker family in Essex, England, Lay was a
forceful and prescient visionary. Understanding the fundamental evil
that slavery represented, he would unflinchingly use guerrilla theatre
tactics and direct action to shame slave owners and traders in his
community. The prejudice that Lay suffered as a dwarf and a hunchback,
as well as his devout faith, informed his passion for human and animal
liberation. Exhibiting stamina, fortitude, and integrity in the face of
the cruelties practiced against what he called his "fellow creatures,"
he was often a lonely voice that spoke truth to power.
Lester's beautiful imagery and storytelling, accompanied by afterwords
from Rediker and Paul Buhle, capture the radicalism, the humor, and the
humanity of this truly modern figure. A testament to the impact each of
us can make, Prophet Against Slavery brings Lay's prophetic vision to
a new generation of young activists who today echo his call of 300 years
ago: "No justice, no peace!"
