The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano by Olaudah Equiano

The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano by Olaudah Equiano

LARGE PRINT EDITION: I BELIEVE it is difficult for those who publish their own memoirs to escape the imputation of vanity; nor is this the only disadvantage under which they labour: it is also their misfortune, that what is uncommon is rarely, if ever, believed, and what is obvious we are apt to turn from with disgust, and to charge the writer with impertinence. People generally think those memoirs only worthy to be read or remembered which abound in great or striking events, those, in short, which in a high degree excite either admiration or pity: all others they consign to contempt and oblivion. It is therefore, I confess, not a little hazardous in a private and obscure individual, and a stranger too, thus to solicit the indulgent attention of the public; especially when I own I offer here the history of neither a saint, a hero, nor a tyrant. I believe there are few events in my life, which have not happened to many: it is true the incidents of it are numerous; and, did I consider myself an European, I might say my sufferings were great: but when I compare my lot with that of most of my countrymen, I regard myself as a particular favourite of Heaven, and acknowledge the mercies of Providence in every occurrence of my life. If then the following narrative does not appear sufficiently interesting to engage general attention, let my motive be some excuse for its publication. I am not so foolishly vain as to expect from it either immortality or literary reputation. If it affords any satisfaction to my numerous friends, at whose request it has been written, or in the smallest degree promotes the interests of humanity, the ends for which it was undertaken will be fully attained, and every wish of my heart gratified. Let it therefore be remembered, that, in wishing to avoid censure, I do not aspire to praise. That part of Africa, known by the name of Guinea, to which the trade for slaves is carried on, extends along the coast above 3400 miles, from the Senegal to Angola, and includes a variety of kingdoms. Of these the most considerable is the kingdom of Benen, both as to extent and wealth, the richness and cultivation of the soil, the power of its king, and the number and warlike disposition of the inhabitants.

“This new edition of Equiano…will become the text of choice for both scholars and students of the Black Atlantic” — African American Review

“The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano is the foundational text of African-American autobiography. This welcome edition, ably edited by Angelo Costanzo, provides readers of today a generous introduction to Equiano’s life and times in a highly readable and informative format.” — William L. Andrews, University North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Olaudah Equiano, also known as Gustavus Vassa, was a writer and abolitionist from the Eboe region of the Kingdom of Benin, according to his memoir. He was enslaved as a child and sold as a slave to a Royal Navy commander in the Caribbean. He was sold two more times until buying his freedom in 1766.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781551112626
ISBN 10	1551112620
Title	The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano
Author	Olaudah Equiano
Series	Broadview Editions Ser
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Broadview Press Ltd
Year published	2001-02-28
Number of pages	331
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.