Merkwürdige Lebensgeschichte des Sklaven Olaudah Equiano
- 281 Seiten
- 10 Lesestunden
Olaudah Equiano, auch bekannt als Gustavus Vassa, war eine herausragende Persönlichkeit in der britischen Bewegung zur Abschaffung des Sklavenhandels. Nachdem er als junger Mann versklavt worden war, kaufte er seine Freiheit und etablierte sich als angesehener Autor, Kaufmann und Entdecker. Seine abenteuerliche Lebensreise führte ihn durch Südamerika, die Karibik, die Arktis, die amerikanischen Kolonien und das Vereinigte Königreich. Equianos Schriften boten einen tiefen Einblick in die Grausamkeit der Sklaverei und seine eigene Befreiung, was ihn zu einer einflussreichen Stimme im Kampf für Menschenrechte machte.






The narrative recounts the life of Olaudah Equiano, an African who was enslaved and later became a prominent abolitionist. It details his experiences from capture and enslavement to eventual freedom and self-education. Equiano's story highlights the harsh realities of slavery, the importance of personal agency, and the quest for equality. Through his journey, he provides insights into African culture, the transatlantic slave trade, and the fight against oppression, making it a significant work in the history of abolitionism.
The book is a facsimile reprint of a scarce antiquarian work, preserving its historical significance. While it may contain imperfections such as marks and notations due to its age, the reprint aims to maintain the integrity of the original text. This effort reflects a commitment to protect and promote important literary works, making them accessible in high-quality modern editions.
'Cut iron with iron, What makes iron valuable, Big kuku tree and big silk-cotton tree, Fari and Kaunju -' Told and retold since the fourteenth century, this West African epic chronicles the story of the mighty warrior who saves his people and founds an empire. One of 46 new books in the bestselling Little Black Classics series, to celebrate the first ever Penguin Classic in 1946. Each book gives readers a taste of the Classics' huge range and diversity, with works from around the world and across the centuries - including fables, decadence, heartbreak, tall tales, satire, ghosts, battles and elephants.
Excerpt: "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." The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano describes Equiano's time spent in enslavement and documents his attempts at becoming an independent man through his study of the Bible along with his eventual success in gaining his own freedom and in business thereafter. Published in 1789 and attracting attention, was considered highly influential in gaining passage of the Slave Trade Act 1807, which ended the African trade for Britain and its colonies. Olaudah Equiano (1745-1797) known in his lifetime as Gustavus Vassa was a prominent African in London, a freed slave who supported the British movement to end the slave trade.
Olaudah Equiano's memoir offers a powerful firsthand account of his life, beginning with his childhood in Africa and detailing his harrowing journey through slavery in the West Indies. It explores themes of resilience and the quest for freedom, highlighting the challenges he faced and his eventual triumph over adversity. Equiano's narrative not only sheds light on the brutal realities of slavery but also serves as a significant historical document advocating for abolition.
The narrative offers a firsthand account of Olaudah Equiano's life, detailing his experiences as an enslaved African who eventually gained his freedom. It explores themes of identity, resilience, and the harsh realities of the transatlantic slave trade. Equiano's journey from Africa to the Americas and his subsequent advocacy for abolition provide a powerful insight into the struggles and triumphs of the African diaspora. His story serves as a crucial historical document, shedding light on the injustices of slavery and the quest for human rights.
The narrative chronicles Olaudah Equiano's harrowing experiences of enslavement and his journey toward independence. It highlights his dedication to studying the Bible as a source of strength and guidance. Ultimately, Equiano achieves freedom and establishes himself in business, showcasing his resilience and determination to overcome the challenges of his past.
The text of Equiano's narrative presented here is that of the 1789 first edition. schovat popis