Jeppe Mulich is Teaching Associate in Global History at the University of Cambridge and St John's College.

'Through its examination of illicit trade, privateering and slave trading in the Leeward Islands, this book uncovers hitherto unstudied trans-imperial networks, intercolonial relations and inter-imperial politics. Its exploration of the role of small powers – particularly the long-neglected Scandinavian empires – will be of particular interest to scholars of historical sociology and global and imperial history.' Lisa Ford, University of New South Wales

• 1. Introduction; 2. Free ports and black markets; 3. Imperial warfare, colonial violence; 4. Prize courts and privateers; 5. Slave laws and free communities; 6. Abolition and the illegal slave trade; Conclusion.

Jeppe Mulich is Teaching Associate in Global History at the University of Cambridge and St John's College.

'Through its examination of illicit trade, privateering and slave trading in the Leeward Islands, this book uncovers hitherto unstudied trans-imperial networks, intercolonial relations and inter-imperial politics. Its exploration of the role of small powers – particularly the long-neglected Scandinavian empires – will be of particular interest to scholars of historical sociology and global and imperial history.' Lisa Ford, University of New South Wales

• 1. Introduction; 2. Free ports and black markets; 3. Imperial warfare, colonial violence; 4. Prize courts and privateers; 5. Slave laws and free communities; 6. Abolition and the illegal slave trade; Conclusion.