HIS 1123 Lecture 1: Olaudah Equiano
Document Summary
Kidnapped and sold into slavery at about 11 years old. Made the middle passage with about 244 other slaves. Names - michael, jacob, and gustavus vassa {will use vassa for the rest of his life} Worked as a talent on a ship during the seven years war. Was brie y sent to london to be educated by his master"s family. King allowed him to have his own small trade to save money to buy his freedom. Purchase of his freedom in 1767 for 40 pounds. Upon gaining his freedom, he worked as a sailer and merchant, but he chose to return to london after nearly being kidnapped and returned to slavery. He was able to write his narrative thanks to benefactors. His narrative is the rst slave narrative ever written. Shortly after its publication, its validity is called into question.
