The special issue transports our broad readership into the unsettling history and shifting historiography of the laws of slavery on land and at sea in the turbulent Atlantic World. Special thanks to Rebecca J. Scott for proposing this venture and enticing others to join, including Walter Johnson, whose incisive commentary concludes this issue. The journey begins with Scott's crisp introduction that first previews the four articles before providing an overview and explication of our authors' methods. Bon voyage!