The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, Or Gustavus Vassa, The African: Gustavus Vassa, the African Slave

In The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, former slave Olaudah Equiano tells the story of his life, from the time he and his sister were kidnapped and enslaved, through his emancipation, and subsequent freedom. Equiano’s moving account delves into his experience as a sailor and explores the importance of his religious education. Published in 1789, Equiano’s narrative was the first widely-read and popularized account of slavery, and was notable for exploring the differences between enslavement throughout the Americas. It has also provided a foundation for future slave narratives.