This is the extraordinary story of Olaudah Equiano: Child slave. Soldier. Free man. Traveller. Abolitionist. Celebrity.

Kidnapped as a child into slavery, Equiano spent the rest of his life fighting for his freedom. After years of slavery, working on ships that carried him across empire and into battle during the Seven Years War, he eventually managed to purchase his own freedom, and went on to become a leading figure in the early abolition movement.

Published to coincide with the first attempt to abolish the slave trade in 1789, Equiano's remarkable autobiography became a sensation and turned its author into the most famous Black person in Georgian Britain.

As vivid and powerful today as it was in 1789, Equiano's story is the most significant autobiographical account of slavery to emerge from Britain's centuries as a slave trading power. In this JM Classics edition, leading historian David Olusoga's introduction sets Equiano's book in its historical context, helping us to understand the man himself.

Olaudah Equiano was an influential African advocate of abolishing the slave trade in Britain during the late 18th century. This is his memoir.

One of the earliest known published works written by an African author, The Interesting Narrative was a groundbreaking memoir that helped pave the way for the abolition of slavery. In it, Equiano describes his early life in Africa, his abduction and his gruelling journey across the world on a slave ship. Published in London once Equiano had secured his freedom, the runaway success of the book led to his financial independence, and he toured England, Scotland and Ireland lecturing on the horrors described in the book, and he dedicated his life to advocating for the abolition of slavery. Forgotten until the 1960s, The Interesting Narrative has again shot to fame, and is now considered the most detailed account of a slave's life, exposing the trials of the long road to freedom.

DISCOVER THE INDIGNITIES AND REALITIES OF SLAVERY FROM A CAPTIVATING FIRST-HAND NARRATIVE Olaudah Equiano's interesting narrative is an astonishing first-hand account of kidnapping, enslavement and eventual emancipation that has horrified and enlightened readers for over 200 years. The Interesting Narrative of Olaudah Equiano is a seminal work in a genre that seeks to help us better shape the present by understanding our violent past. An insightful Introduction from Atlantic slave trade expert Michael Taylor sheds light on Equiano's life, including his spiritual conversion, his wide travels, and the impact of his writing on the eventual abolition of slavery.

Published in 1789, Equiano's autobiography was the first of its kind to influence a wide audience. He told the story of his life and suffering as a slave. He describes scenes of outrageous torture and made it clear to his readers how the institution of slavery dehumanized both owner and slave. Equiano's work became an important part of the abolitionist cause, because he was able to portray Africans with a humanity that many slave traders tried to deny. Anyone with an interest in the slave trade or the abolitionist movement will find this book essential reading. Nigerian slave and abolitionist OLAUDAH EQUIANO (1745-1797) was sold to white slavers when he was eleven and renamed Gustavas Vassa. He worked on a naval ship and fought during the Seven Years' War, which he felt earned him a right to freedom. Eventually, he was able to purchase his freedom and move to England, where he was safe from being captured back into slavery. There, he was an outspoken advocate of the abolitionist movement.

The most famous slave memoir of the 18th century. Equiano's Travel's recounts the extraordinary life and times of Olaudah Equiano, from his early life in Africa to his long struggle for freedom in the West Indies. 'I who had been a slave in the morning, trembling at the will of another, was become my own master, and completely free.' Olaudah Equiano was only eleven when he and his sister were kidnapped from the Kingdom of Benin and forced into slavery. His description of the inconceivable horrors he endured on slave ships and in the West Indies offer a rare and significant insight into the realities of the transatlantic slave trade. Published in London in 1789, Equiano's memoirs became an instant success and paved the way for the abolition of slavery in the British Empire. Introduction by Professor S. E. Ogude. Edited by Paul Edwards. 'A powerful and terrifying read.' Guardian 'Central to our understanding of Atlantic slavery.' The Times 'A gripping account from 1789 of life as a slave.' New York Times

A first-person narrative of Olaudah Equiano’s journey from his native Africa to the New World, that follows his capture, introduction to Christianity and eventual release. His story is an eye-opening depiction of personal resilience in the face of structural oppression. Olaudah Equiano’s origins are rooted in West Africa’s Eboe district, which is modern-day Nigeria. He details the shocking events that led up to his kidnapping and subsequent trade into slavery. His journey starts at 11 years old, forcing him to come of age in a society that abuses him at every turn. During his plight, he attempts to find new ways to survive, educating himself and eventually formulating a plan to obtain his freedom. In The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, the author illustrates the harsh realities of slavery. Upon its release, the book was well-received and translated into multiple languages including German and Dutch. It set the precedent for many first-person narratives that would highlight their own unfathomable experiences. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano is both modern and readable.

A first-person narrative of Olaudah Equiano's journey from his native Africa to the New World, that follows his capture, introduction to Christianity and eventual release. His story is an eye-opening depiction of personal resilience in the face of structural oppression. Olaudah Equiano's origins are rooted in West Africa's Eboe district, which is modern-day Nigeria. He details the shocking events that led up to his kidnapping and subsequent trade into slavery. His journey starts at 11 years old, forcing him to come of age in a society that abuses him at every turn. During his plight, he attempts to find new ways to survive, educating himself and eventually formulating a plan to obtain his freedom. In The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, the author illustrates the harsh realities of slavery. Upon its release, the book was well-received and translated into multiple languages including German and Dutch. It set the precedent for many first-person narratives that would highlight their own unfathomable experiences. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano is both modern and readable.

Olaudah Equiano was one of the most prominent people of African heritage involved in the British debate for the abolition of the slave trade. He wrote an autobiography that depicted the horrors of slavery and helped influence British lawmakers to abolish the slave trade through the Slave Trade Act of 1807. This is his story. I hope the reader will not think I have trespassed on his patience in introducing myself to him with some account of the manners and customs of my country. They had been implanted in me with great care, and made an impression on my mind, which time could not erase, and which all the adversity and variety of fortune I have since experienced served only to rivet and record; for, whether the love of one's country be real or imaginary, or a lesson of reason, or an instinct of nature, I still look back with pleasure on the first scenes of my life, though that pleasure has been for the most part mingled with sorrow.-Olaudah Equiano