The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano

by Olaudah Equiano

Book Overview

The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equianowas a key work of nineteenth-century slave narrative autobiography. Written and published by Equiano, a former slave, it became a prototype for the narratives that followed. Kidnapped in Africa as a child, Equiano was transported to the Caribbean and then to Virginia, bought by a Quaker shipowner, and placed in service at sea. Aboard various American and British ships, he sailed throughout the...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1551112620
• ISBN13: 9781551112626
• Release Date: February 2001
• Publisher: Broadview Press Inc
• Length: 331 Pages
• Weight: 0.91 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Ok

I read this and wasn't shocked at the slave history, but didn't finish it because of the emphasis of religion thrown in.

Very enlightening.

Saw the wonderful movie Amazing Grace & this man was a part of the real history of that time & wanted to read more. Excellant transaction. Thanks

History of the others

The African slave trade is one of the great stains of human history. Much has been written about it by European - white authors, though unfortunately, there are very few recollections of the slave trade by actual slaves. This book is one of those works. The author, Olaudah Equiano, was born in Nigeria and captured as a child and sold of to slavery in the New World. He eventually accummulated enough money to free and educate himself, and make his way thru the world as a free man. This book is his story, told by himself. He retells his kidnapping, his trip from Africa to N. America, his service to different masters, how he bought his own freedom, and then his life as a free man. He retells both the punishments he endured, the work he had to do, and the opportunities denied to him while he was a slave. Overall, a good book to read about the life of a slave.

A must read for anyone interested in the horror of slavery

An amazing story of an amazing man. Olaudah Equiano tells the story of his life with such clarity and recollection it is hard to put this book down. A slave, who at the age of 7, was kidnapped from his village in Africa and subsequently enslaved for 11 years until which time he could buy his freedom. His life was filled with both horror and wonder. He witnessed great events and horrific injustices. He tells these tales with clarity and an unusual objectiveness. A boy, who at age 7, did not read or write or even know of the white man. Olaudah grew to learn and have great command of the language in which he would retell his tales. This is not only an impressive work, it is more so coming from a former slave. It is a must read for everyone interested in the struggle for life that these people endured for over two centuries.