A micro-history showcasing a revolutionary abolitionist who has been written off by abolition historians but not abolitionists. Rediker makes the case that Benjamin Lay was the first revolutionary abolitionist. He makes it clear that Lay took a stance when no one else in his time period did and created a founding anti-slavery text. Rediker shifts the abolition movement back to the English Revolution. Marcus Rediker says the people of Benjamin's day suppressed him and historians of today still suppress him. It's obvious Rediker has respect and admiration for Benjamin Lay, and it shows throughout his portrayal of Lay.

Benjamin Lay is a hilarious character, something out of a tv show. The man lived his life the way he wanted. From all the stories about him, it appears when he took a stance on something he stuck with it. He was disowned FOUR times by various Quaker organizations, in different parts of the world. He definitely lived a theology of liberation. His disabilities and life experiences helped him empathize with those who were oppressed. It could be said that presentism bleeds into Rediker's work with Lay but by all contemporary standards Lay would have been a vegetarian, mostly non-violent, equal rights believer.