The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African, Written by Himself (Norton Critical Editions) 1st Edition

A wonderful story of tragedy and faith by one of the first narratives of a literary freed slave. A first hand account by an exceptional man abducted from the interior region of Benin in west central Africa. Thankfully for him, and his readers, he was able to become very literate in English language and writing. His honesty and integrity, along with his intelligence, hard work, command of the English language, and quest for faith led him to lead a rewarding life in an era when black people were extremely abused. It is a gripping tale that I recommend to everyone, no excuses, it was a free download to a Prime member on Amazon. It inspires me to research any rumors that this book in inauthentic in any way. It describes an era between the 1740's and the 1780's. It will be of interest to those reading about slavery and maritime trade.

I stumbled across this book while trying to find out more about the the effects of slave trade on families left behind. Beautiful book written by an Olaudah Equiano who taken from his home and enslaved in the North America. I have only read chapter one and you can feel his emotions and hear his voice while reading his description of his village, family, and dreams for the future. I have rarely felt so connected to an author. I don't know why this book isn't more widely known. Thanks to Amazon for making it available at no cost.

This narrative is a must read for anyone interested in the issue of slavery and its history. Although the details and events might not seem unusual --the slave ship, the mistreatment of the slave,etc.--yet to encounter these events from the INSIDE is unique and powerful!The writing style and use of language is flowery and will take some getting used to, but it's well worth the effort.

I want to cry but filling up an ocean full of misery would be daunting.I appreciate the author for his life, sacrifice, ingenuity, knowledge, perseverance, and resistance.Even though his letter to the queen may suggest a push for colonialism, it is a necessary evil for an alternative for the black people living in those times.It's a shame to know you may have died without returning to your native village but who knows, it might be another story.God bless you Olaudah wherever you are. We shall meet one day if God permits it.Kanelechi Emeagi.

Captivating account of one life of many thousands of the injustices and acts of inhumanity perpetrated upon helpless and vulnerable people violently kidnapped, bereft of home, dignity, life and liberty for the rest of their lives. But one man, the autobiographer, seeks to accomplish a higher purpose from his experience to appeal to the queen to end the violent barbarity of the slave trade

A must-read for anyone with a soul... but be sure to have a box of tissues handy!This is the totally AMAZING autobiography of Olaudah Equiano (pronounced OH-LA-OO-DAH EH-QUEE-AH-NO), who went from being a free young man in Africa to being a slave to other Africans to being a slave to Whites in the Caribbean and American South, and through his faith, honestly, morality, and love for his fellow man of all races he attained his liberty in Britain and ascended to the social rank of Gentleman. A gut-wrenching, tear-jerking, and ultimately exalting story that takes you from the depths of man's grievous wickedness to the heights of mercy, forgiveness, and victory over tyranny.I strongly believe that this should be required reading in every school.

This reads like a combination of the biography of Frederick Douglass and Forrest Gump. In other words, he floats around accidental-like on a breeze, and suffers mightily wherever he goes and has great adventures.Where didn't he go? And what didn't he see in cruelty?It's almost not quite believable, but the narrative gives off an air of authenticity via his combination of eloquence, assertions of truth and request for fact-checking, and his finding God.Astonishing, truly, and moving.

An awesome first-person account of what our ancestors did prior to being kidnapped and dragged into slavery. The account is honest and detailed and unstained with a eurocentric bias that most accounts of precolonial Africa are. It is rich and bold and needs to be a required read in Academia.

Pretty good read but unfortunately over 1/3 is spent on religious reflections rather then ethnographic or historical detail that would have been more useful and interesting. Also the author’s prose style is a little indifferent, glancing over really intriguing aspects of life and focusing instead on a catalogue of ‘i wasnhere and this happened’, david paaaionate tones solely for breathless religious awe. Not bad, but not as good as I thought it was going to be.

This is an excellent classic of the life of a prominent abolitionist and successful author and should be read by anyone interested in the history of slavery and the abolitionist cause in Britain. However, I don't recommend this particular edition, because it is very badly printed, although well-bound and with a handsome cover. The inside, unfortunately, looks as though it was produced on a basic computer with minimal skills - large gaps in the text, large print size, small margins, etc..

I'm so pleased with this purchase to help broaden my knowledge of the experience of slaves from Nigeria. Sounds like an amazingly brave man!

A biography written in the 17th century which is still relevant today, unfortunately - as we have not got rid of it. Well written and compelling story. Highlights the differences in slavery in Africa vs slavery in the west Indies and the Americas.

The book contains shocking historic facts and the fact that it's written by someone from nearly 3 centuries ago makes it a good read.