The Interesting Narrative and Other Writings: Revised Edition (Penguin Classics)

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The Interesting Narrative of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, The African, is indeed an interesting autobiography that is perhaps the best known piece of Romantic era black British antislavery writing or slave narrative.One of the most interesting things about it is that it was encouraged, published, and propagandized by white British abolitionists in the ultimately successful movement to end the slave trade in Great Britain. Another interesting aspect of the Narrative is its demonstration of the sophistication of language and the deftness of thought of its author, who was enslaved by fellow Africans in what is now Nigeria, sold to English slave traders, served on board ships and became an able seaman in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars, saved his money and rose into the mercantile class, and, at the end of his full life left a considerable fortune to his daughter.This Penguin Classics edition, introduced and edited by Vincent Carretta, includes copious but not overwhelmingly detailed notes and appendices.If you are interested in race, class, war, Romanticism, and a compelling story, this is a book for you.Stephen Cheney-Rice

For me the first chapter was best. That's where I learned the most about the sustainable ecology of the lands Equiano came from before he was enslaved. These kinds of societies seem to be the last chance for a close examination of how relatively peaceful societies preserve ecological, practices that yielded stable societies prior to the second wave of colonization.The second wave of colonization, with its guns and numerical superiority was able to overcome the peoples of the Interior. The period of the musket perforce restricted colonial activities to the outer fringes of the African continent: after the Advent of the rifled musket and rifle, colonists and Colonial forces were finally able to completely dominate the Peoples of Africa. This domination might truly be the African Holocaust.

For someone who have read something about Slave Trading, the life of Olaudah is a unique source of what was like to be a Slave in that period. The book published in 1789, tell a remarkable story of survival, a life of sufferings, humilliations, the struggle for getting his freedom, his fixation with England, the search for knowledge and spiritual salvation. Most of the book is interesting indeed but similar to a review made at the time, I agree that "the long account of his religious sentiments and conversion to methodism, is rather tiresome". We will never know whether Equiano came from Africa or not, but his account about the "middle passage" is by far the more touching.

An eye opener to that era a little slow at times but an interesting point of view

This book is written in Olde English which may present a challenge for some. The sincerity of the author and the reality of the unfair truths that prevail against him undeniably maintains the readers attention throughout this biography.A must read for those who may seem despondent by life's sometimes insurmountable challenges.

I love history. Great, can’t wait to read it

I have never read a more well written book. From beginning to end, The author gives a clear insight on the Black Experience as it was during his lifetime. This book draws on all human emotions and provokes thought for modern day civilization. It is a must read! I highly recommend it to all

I was happy with the front picture, but I wish I has ordered this book in large print. I did not realise the print was so small.

A very good book! Very informative and useful! Wold be ideal if in universal languages.

Excellently written great first hand account of all that went on a must read for those who want to know the true history of the slave trade.

Book arrived damaged. Had to return

A must read to understand the ravages of slavery, the differences between the African slave system and Euro-American chattel slave system, and how the prospect of gain can suppress the underlying morals of humanity. Thank you Olaudah Equiano for leaving us this brilliantly written testimony.