The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, The African Written by Himself (Dodo Press)

Autobiographical work from the eighteenth century merchant seaman. His was the first influential slave autobiography. It exceeded all expectations for the quality of its imagery and description as a literary style, as well as its profoundly shaming narrative towards those who had not joined the cause of slavery abolition. The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, written in 1789, details its writer's life in slavery, his time spent serving on galleys, the eventual attainment of his own freedom and later success in business. Including a look at how slavery stood in West Africa, the book received favorable reviews and was one of the first slave narratives to be read widely. 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. The Introduction To This New Edition Of Olaudah Equiano's Classic Narrative Is Clear And Lucid, Full Of Useful Historical Background Information And Superb Biographical Coverage, Written From A Completely Novel Point Of View.