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Black Atlantic Writers of the Eighteenth Century: Living the New Exodus in England and the Americas : Selections from the Writings of Ukawsaw Gronni
This book brings together for the first time works by four Afro-Anglican writers who published between 1774 and 1789: Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, John Marrant, Ottobah Cugoano, and Olaudah Equiano. These men share a dramatic story of captivity and liberation, wayfaring and adventure.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published March 15, 1995
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November 17, 2021
There are a few paragraphs contained in this book that are attributed to one of the Black Atlantic Writers of the title. Otherwise, these are narratives written by others in the manner of "This is a true story as told to me by a black man titled..." There sometimes seem to crop up interests that seem to coincide with those of the people who have written the narratives.
I would set down this book and find that I wish that I had a teacher who could explain the narratives in the context of what was happening at the time. The anthologist gives some discussion along those lines.
The authors spend much time on the question of whether the black race carries the mark of Cain. To the modern reader pages of biblical justification may be tedious. Historically accurate, but tedious.
There are, of course, bits that must have helped these narratives sell. There is a story of escape from Indians. There is a journey to Turkey and hints of a journey to the North Pole. There is a slave revolt and much talk of the wickedness of slavery. Some lines will outrage the modern reader such as:
It is a valuable little book, but I lack the background to extract full value from it.
I would set down this book and find that I wish that I had a teacher who could explain the narratives in the context of what was happening at the time. The anthologist gives some discussion along those lines.
The authors spend much time on the question of whether the black race carries the mark of Cain. To the modern reader pages of biblical justification may be tedious. Historically accurate, but tedious.
There are, of course, bits that must have helped these narratives sell. There is a story of escape from Indians. There is a journey to Turkey and hints of a journey to the North Pole. There is a slave revolt and much talk of the wickedness of slavery. Some lines will outrage the modern reader such as:
I have now only to intreat the earnest prayers of all my kind Christian friends, that I may be carried safe there; kept humble, made faithful, and successful; that strangers may hear of and run to Christ; that Indian tribes may stretch out their hands to God; that the black nations may be made white in the blood of the Lamb; <--stuff removed--> the kingdoms of the world are become the kingdoms of our God, and of his Christ. Amen, and Amen.
It is a valuable little book, but I lack the background to extract full value from it.
Displaying 1 of 1 review