The life of Olaudah Equiano

First published in 1789, this is an autobiography of an African slave and his experience in Africa, the New World and Europe. Captured in what is present-day Nigeria, Equiano who was also known as Gustavus Vassa the African, was taken to the Americas. On subsequently regaining his freedom he came to Britain and pursued a career as a navigator and tireless fighter in the cause of the abolition of slavery in the British Empire. His travels took him all over the world, including Central America, the Mediterranean and the Arctic. Longman African Classics is a series for established writing from Africa. This book is suitable for those studying at college or university level, but is also designed for the general reader.