“Smuggling & Smugglers in Sussex” offers a compelling exploration of the complex world of smuggling in 18th and 19th century Sussex. The anthology weaves together essays and historical accounts from various authors, reflecting a variety of literary styles'Äîfrom meticulous historiography to evocative narrative prose. It situates smuggling within the broader socio-economic and political context of post-Enlightenment Britain, revealing the contradictions between law and local customs. Richly detailed, the book transports readers to a time when coastal towns thrummed with clandestine trade, drawing attention to the lives and motivations of those involved in this precarious world. The collection reflects the diverse backgrounds of its contributors, including historians and literary scholars, whose interests span anthropology, economics, and maritime history. Their scholarly rigor is bolstered by a shared passion for illuminating the hidden corners of Sussex'Äôs past. This interdisciplinary approach leads to nuanced interpretations of smuggling as a historical phenomenon shaped by class, geography, and governmental policy, echoing contemporary debates about legality and morality. Readers with an interest in maritime history, British social culture, and the intricate dance between legality and illicit trade will find this anthology invaluable. “Smuggling & Smugglers in Sussex” not only informs but also provokes thought on the enduring legacy of smuggling and its implications within broader narratives of resistance and identity.
