Reparations

Slavery and the Tyranny of Imaginary Guilt

By: Nigel Biggar

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Hardcover | 6 January 2026

At a Glance

Hardcover
224 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
21.6 x 13.5 x 2.4

Hardcover

$46.75

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Reparations is the sequel to Nigel Biggar's bestselling and widely acclaimed Colonialism. It is a book of significant importance - not least as a study of the psychology of guilt.

Many now claim that Western countries should pay reparations to former colonies for the lasting damage they caused, especially through slavery. To what extent is the argument about damage correct in the first place? And, if it is correct, what should we now do about it?

Reparations removes the sloganeering from a newly-fashionable cause, sets the issue in its proper historical context, and mounts an ethical counter-argument. The natural sequel to Nigel Biggar's bestselling and widely acclaimed Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning, it makes a powerful contribution to an increasingly prominent public debate.

About the Author

Nigel Beggar is Emeritus Regius Professor in the University of Oxford and Fellow of Christ Church. He founded Oxford the MacDonald Institute for the study of Ethics and Empire. He is now a Fellow of the St Cross College Oxford - author, lecturer and broadcaster throughout the English speaking world. After many acclaimed academic books, he wrote and published the bestselling Colonialism.

Industry Reviews

'A major contribution to the long-running debate on reparations for the British role in slavery and the slave trade; essential reading for all participants' - David Eltis, Professor Emeritus of History, Emory University
'In this compelling and timely book, Nigel Biggar argues that calls for reparations over colonialism or slavery are hollow, rooted in a shallow reading of history, bad faith, and - arguably - political opportunism. Reparations is a strong plea to see Britain's past more clearly and honestly' - Tirthankar Roy, Professor, Economic History, London School of Economics
'I hope Professor Biggar's compelling case against reparations helps move us beyond the illusion that payouts can resolve the challenges facing Black communities - and towards the real work that drives lasting progress' - Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani, author of 'My great-grandfather, the Nigerian slave-trader' - The New Yorker, 2018

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