Equiano published his own autobiography, the life of olaudah equiano the african in 1789, a detailed account of an africans movement out of slavery, and the most important single literary contribution to the campaign for abolition. Teaching history with 100 objects thomas clarksons. What did olaudah equiano do with william wilberforce answers. This essay is an analysis of equianos narrative which will particularly focus on the religious themes in his book, and how he used these themes to convincingly convey his message.
Written and published by equiano, a former slave, it became a prototype for the narratives that followed. Thomas clarkson and olaudah equiano were both abolitionist writers, clarkson with his essay and equiano with his biography. This book has generated some controversy in its claim that equiano may not have been born in africa. He was an excellent writer and his book became a bestseller, challenging many of the widely held assumptions of the time, about africans and the transatlantic slave trade. These filled me with astonishment, which was soon converted into terror, when i was carried on board. Quaker leader thomas fowell buxton and methodist john wesley denounced slavery as inhuman, as did feminists like mary wollstonecraft. Olaudah equiano has 80 books on goodreads with 32988 ratings. Olaudah equianos argument against slavery was his life experience.
When abolitionists thomas clarkson and ottobah cugoano published their essays on slavery in the late eighteenth century, they became key participants in one of the most important human rights campaigns in history. This site is like a library, use search box in the widget to get ebook that you want. Olaudah equiano 17451797, enslaved african and author who married in. The interesting narrative of the life of olaudah equiano, or. The text in question was the interesting narrative of the life of olaudah equiano. This essay is an analysis of equiano s narrative which will particularly focus on the religious themes in his book, and how he used these themes to convincingly convey his message. Clarkson was ordained a deacon, but from 1785 he devoted his life to abolitionism. Clarkson filled the chest with evidence to support the campaign.
Jones at trinity college, to introduce equiano to him and the community. Olaudah equiano 17451797, enslaved african and author who married in cambridgeshire. Description from olaudah equiano autobiography describing the middle passage. Nov 05, 2017 other close friends and allies were thomas clarkson, hannah more an educator, writer and social reformer who was also known for her writings on abolition and for encouraging women to join the antislavery movement. Clarkson was joined by a cast of characters that included olaudah equiano, a former slave whose eloquent memoir made him a literary and political. He was sold twice more but purchased his freedom in 1766. The project gutenberg ebook of the interesting narrative of. Dec 14, 2011 this lesson is on olaudah equiano and his significance in the campaign against slavery. Jan 10, 2005 clarkson was joined by a cast of characters that included olaudah equiano, a former slave whose eloquent memoir made him a literary and political celebrity, and john newton, a repentant slave ship. The abolition project olaudah equiano middle passage extract 1. Kidnapped in africa as a child, equiano was transported. Thomas clarkson and the abolition of the slave trade online. Come browse our large digital warehouse of free sample essays.
Distinguishing itself from the arguments of abolitionists thomas clarkson and john newton, equianos christian argument. Still known by his slave name, olaudah equiano had written his autobiography, now considered the first widely read and. Olaudah equiano, was a former enslaved african, seaman and merchant who. Carrettas latest book is a scholarly examination of the autobiography of olaudah equiano, aka gustavas vassa. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. The interesting narrative of the life of olaudah equiano essays are academic essays for citation. The interesting narrative of the life of olaudah equiano, or gustavus vassa, the african. Olaudah equiano, was a former enslaved african, seaman and merchant who wrote an autobiography depicting the horrors of slavery and lobbied parliament for its abolition. Olaudah equiano s argument against slavery was his life experience. He describes how he was kidnapped with his sister at around the age of. Reading poetry by thomas day and hannah more, novels by sarah scott and henry mackenzie, life writing by ignatius sancho and olaudah equiano, and political writing by james ramsay and thomas clarkson, british abolitionism and the rhetoric of sensibility shows how slaveowners and abolitionists made use of the rhetoric of sensibility to influence a reading public thoroughly immersed in the. The customs are very different from those of england, but he also makes the case for their similarity to traditions of the jews, even suggesting that jews and africans share a common heritage. Carrettas detractors, however, completely miss the point of this book, which places equiano squarely in the same vein as other. He helped found the society for effecting the abolition of the slave trade also known as the society for the abolition of the slave trade and helped achieve passage of the slave trade act of 1807, which ended british trade in slaves.
Olaudah equiano project gutenberg selfpublishing ebooks. Jan 01, 2009 one of the most remarkable figures in the history of african literature is olaudah equiano, who is also known as gustavus vassa. Olaudah equiano begins his narrative by describing the customs of his native land in modernday nigeria. Exhibition documents cambridges connection to abolition cambridges role in the abolition movement is on show this week at a public exhibition of three champions of the movement, william wilberforce, olaudah equiano and thomas clarkson. British citizens campaign for the abolition of the slave. Later, when equianos origins were questioned after his book was published, the guerins testified to his lack of english when he first came. Biography of a selfmade man by vincent carretta 417pp, university of georgia. He takes with him a few histories containing his own. He became a sailor and came to london, where he joined the abolition movement. Thomas clarkson collected evidence against slavery posters, pamphlets and public speeches olaudah equianos book william wilberforce campaigned against the slave trade.
Jones in selling copies of the memoir and arranging for equiano to visit cambridge to lecture. If you know the answer to this question, please register to join our limited beta program and start the. It was led by figures like the quaker thomas clarkson who successfully agitated for the abolition of the slave trade in britain. British abolitionism sought to expose the realities of transatlantic slavery in addition to asking politicians to help dehumanized africans in the new world, and this edition brings. The project gutenberg ebook of the interesting narrative of the life of olaudah equiano, or gustavus vassa, the african, by olaudah equiano this ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. Olaudah equianos epic book tour for his bestselling firsthand account of slavery changed the british abolitionist movement.
Slaves and the american revolution by simon schama bbc books, 2006. They campaigned through public meetings and the publication of pamphlets and petitions. He was an excellent writer and his book became a bestseller, challenging many of the widely held assumptions of the time. Books by olaudah equiano author of the interesting.
What did olaudah equiano do with william wilberforce. Thomas clarkson 28 march 1760 26 september 1846 was an english abolitionist, and a leading campaigner against the slave trade in the british empire. Distinguishing itself from the arguments of abolitionists thomas clarkson and john newton, equiano s christian argument against the slave trade and slavery proved historically unique because he wrote about the horror of slavery, having experienced it firsthand. An analysis of thomas clarkson and olaudah equiano term paper. Abolition of the african slavetrade, free ebook global grey. In 1766 equiano was able to make enough money to buy his freedom.
Antislavery campaigners wilberforce, clarkson, equiano. Entitled the interesting narrative of the life of olaudah equiano, or gustavus vassa, the african 1789, the book rapidly went through nine editions in his lifetime. The interesting narrative of the life of olaudah equiano, or gustavus vassa, the african, first published in 1789, is the autobiography of olaudah equiano. Get the knowledge you need in order to pass your classes and more. Olaudah equiano s most popular book is the interesting narrative of the life of olaudah equ.
They were aided by john clarkson, younger brother of abolitionist thomas clarkson. He travelled throughout britain with copies of his book, and thousands upon thousands attended his readings. Start studying why did the english abolish slavery the slave trade in 1807. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading slavery.
This lesson is on olaudah equiano and his significance in the campaign against slavery. It is one of the earliestknown examples of published writing by an african writer to be widely read in england. The interesting narrative of the life of olaudah equiano was a key work of nineteenthcentury slave narrative autobiography. Thomas clarkson wrote an essay titled essay on slavery and commerce of the human species.
At last, when the ship we were in, had got in all her cargo, they made ready with many fearful noises, and we were all put under deck, so that we could not see how they managed the vessel. The history of the rise, progress and accomplishment of the abolition of the african slavetrade, by the british parliament. He worked closely with others such as equiano and wedgwood and this chest serves as a good starting point for an enquiry into the methods used by those involved in. The life and legacy of the freed slave whose autobiography fueled britains abolitionist movement charles river editors on. A biography by ellen gibson wilson william sessions ltd. Thomas clarkson and ottobah cugoano download ebook pdf. Olaudah equianos narrative of his life as a slave, published in 1789, was written to convince the public of the evils of the slave trade. Olaudah equiano, celebrity abolitionist chapter 2 beyond.
There was olaudah equiano, an eloquent, freed igbo slave, who. Olaudah equianos argument against slavery was his life. Thomas clarkson, a former star student at the university, had facilitated his introduction to. At this time, former slaves olaudah equiano and ottobah cugoano wrote against the evils of slavery. The campaign of the antislavery society reasons for the. His an essay on the slavery and commerce of the human species. Dear sir i take the liberty of introducing to your notice gustavus vasa, the bearer, a very honest, ingenious, and industrious african, who wishes to visit cambridge. Thomas clarkson 17601846 was an english abolitionist, and a leading campaigner against the slave trade in the british empire. In his biography, he records he was born in what is now nigeria, kidnapped and sold into slavery as a child. In 1789 he published his book the interesting narrative of the life of olaudah equiano or gustavus vassa, the african which was a detailed account of his life as a slave.
The freed slave whose epic book tour taught britain about slavery. Olaudah equiano s epic book tour for his bestselling firsthand account of slavery changed the british abolitionist movement. Thomas clarkson was one of the most prominent eighteenth century antislavery campaigners. Olaudah equiano books list of books by author olaudah. Why did the english abolish slavery the slave trade in 1807. It was highly effective in arousing public opinion. Olaudah equiano books list of books by author olaudah equiano.
The life of olaudah equiano summary from litcharts the. Letter from thomas clarkson introducing gustavus vasa. When john wesley lay dying, it was equiano s book he took up to reread. In his autobiography, olaudah equiano writes that he was born in the eboe province, in the area that is now southern nigeria. The interesting narrative of the life of olaudah equiano, or gustavus vassa, the african, written by himself book. Still known by his slave name, olaudah equiano had written his autobiography, now considered the first widely read and influential slave narrative. Today the church commemorates william wilberforce, social reformer, and olaudah equiano and thomas clarkson, antislavery campaigners. Mar 24, 2020 thomas clarkson, abolitionist, one of the first effective publicists of the english movement against the slave trade and against slavery in the colonies.
Bury the chains by adam hochschild books the guardian. One of the earliest books promoted by clarkson and the committee for the abolition of the slave trade was the autobiography of the freed slave olaudah equiano. Why did the english abolish slavery the slave trade in. Olaudah equiano published his autobiography in 1789, detailing his kidnap from africa, his voyage across the atlantic and his life in slavery. Wilberforce led the campaign at the start, thomas clarkson helped him and travelled the world to find information, equiano was an ex slave who could tell, from personal events, what happened to. Click download or read online button to get thomas clarkson and ottobah cugoano book now. When olaudah equiano published his autobiography in england in 1789, he achieved. Other close friends and allies were thomas clarkson, hannah more an educator, writer and social reformer who was also known for her writings on abolition and for encouraging women to join the antislavery movement. The life of olaudah equiano etext list of subscribers. The book became a huge success and he toured england promoting both it and the abolitionist cause. See all books authored by olaudah equiano, including the interesting narrative of the life of olaudah equiano.
Olaudah equiano gustavus vassa had actually been a slave. Thomas clarkson, an essay on the slavery and commerce of the human species, particularly the african 1788. He went on lecture tours around britain and ireland arranged and spent much of the 1790s campaigning against slavery. With thomas clarkson, william wilberforce and granville sharpe, equiano was a major. Letter from thomas clarkson introducing gustavus vasa transcript. The interesting narrative and other writings by olaudah equiano, edited by. In his book, clarkson describes thoroughly the quaker background to the abolitionist movement and the parliamentary debates leading to the slave trade act of 1807. The interesting narrative of the life of olaudah equiano. British citizens campaign for the abolition of the slave trade, 17871807. Mainly because of clarkson s efforts, a network of local abolition groups was established in england.
What did clarkson wilberforce and equiano do to help get. Olaudah equiano also known as gustavus vassa was born on 16 october 1746 in southern nigeria. Olaudah equiano s narrative of his life as a slave, published in 1789, was written to convince the public of the evils of the slave trade. The name of olaudah equiano s book, which contributed to the abolition of slavery.
Abolition, ethnicity, and identity in the interesting narrative. The life and legacy of the freed slave whose autobiography fueled britains abolitionist movement. Activists granville sharp, freed slave olaudah equiano, thomas clarkson and mp william wilberforce, among many others, fought against it tirelessly. Letter from thomas clarkson to rev mr jones, trinity college, cambridge 9 july 1789 introducing gustavus vasa notes. Essays on the slavery and commerce of the human species, p. He toured slave ports, interviewed sailors and talked to the makers of leg irons established the society for the abolition of the slave trade.
Read this essay on an analysis of thomas clarkson and olaudah equiano. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. There was olaudah equiano, an eloquent, freed igbo slave, who gatecrashed london society and wrote bestselling books about his own experiences. With thomas clarkson, william wilberforce and granville sharpe, equiano was a major abolitionist, working ceaselessly to expose the nature of the shameful trade. Enslaved as a child, he was taken to the caribbean and sold as a slave to a royal navy officer. The book describes equianos time spent in slavery, and documents his attempts at becoming an independent man through his study of the bible, and his eventual conversion to christianity. When olaudah equiano published his autobiography in england in 1789, he achieved instant celebrity. He was born into an igbo community that he called essaka, or most probably isieke, in what is now the ihiala local government area of the anambra state of nigeria. The book made a vital contribution to the abolitionists cause. He travelled throughout england promoting the book. An essay on the slavery and commerce of the human species.
Olaudah equianos most popular book is the interesting narrative of the life of olaudah equ. He was helped by abolitionist friends, such as thomas clarkson, who recommended his book and wrote letters of introduction. He leart to read and write a book, bought his freedom, became a sailor and eventually setlled in london where he wrote his autobiography. Students compare equiano to thomas clarkson, look at both of their campaign methods and have a look at equiano s autobiography. Although not the first account of slavery from an african point of view, his book became the most popular and widely read. An analysis of thomas clarkson and olaudah equiano term. Reasons for the success of the abolitionist campaign in 1807. In his essay he describes what it is like for the slaves to be taken from their home has traveled a considerable way. The abolition of the british slave trade esse the european. Particularly the african, translated from a latin dissertation, which was honoured with the first prize, in the university of cambridge, for the year 1785, with additions. A william wilberforce b thomas clarkson c olaudah equiano d ignatius sancho e granville sharp born,died,stopped slavery and other facts. Thomas clarkson and the abolition of the slave trade one of the great movements for liberty was the abolitionist movement in the late 18th and 19th centuries. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of the autobiography of olaudah equiano.
According to equiano, slave traders abducted him and his sister at the age of 11 and shipped them to. This chest belonged to thomas clarkson, a leading british campaigner against the transatlantic slave trade, who helped form the first abolitionist committee in 1787. At that time, thomas clarkson also traveled throughout the country gathering information, witnesses, and documents about the slave trade. Black british the interesting narrative of the life of olaudah equiano sons of africa zong massacre st margarets, westminster joanna vassa committee for the relief of the black poor slave narrative abolitionism in the united kingdom london corresponding society granville sharp gustav i of sweden soham thomas clarkson selina hastings, countess of huntingdon paul.