The hymn’s composer, John Newton, led a successful life as a seafaring trader, sailing from Liverpool to Africa and on to Antigua. His cargo was a lucrative one, for he traded in human beings. It was the height of the slave trade, and he made his terrible journey many times. But one night a storm raged. His ship was almost lost. He prayed that if only salvation would come to “a wretch like me,” he would leave the slave trade and work towards its abolition. That night was a turning point in Newton’s life. He became an ardent abolitionist and a Methodist minister. But his greatest legacy is “Amazing Grace.” This unique book is an excellent introduction to the history of slavery and also contains the original text of the hymn, music, and map endpapers.