Oroonoko by Aphra Behn: 1st Edition Paperback

In the story of Oroonoko, the passionate Prince's love for the virtuous Imoinda triggers the jealousy of his grandfather, leading to the lovers being enslaved and taken from Africa to the colony of Surinam. Despite Oroonoko's noble demeanor earning him the respect of his English captors, his quest for freedom ultimately leads to his downfall. This tale, inspired by Aphra Behn's own experiences in Surinam, depicts native peoples as embodying a sense of innocence, untouched by sin.

Behn's novel Oroonoko encapsulates her complex feelings towards African slavery. While she saw it as a means to bolster England's dominance, her work poignantly portrays the cruelty and injustice of the institution. This new edition of Oroonoko, based on the original 1688 printing, includes additional materials such as a timeline, suggested readings, and annotations. In her introduction, Janet Todd delves into Behn's perspectives on slavery, colonization, and politics, as well as her unique position as a professional female writer during the Restoration period.

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