Oroonoko: or, The Royal Slave - Softcover

Behn, Aphra

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1533549990 ISBN 13: 9781533549990

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2016

Synopsis

Oroonoko: or, the Royal Slave is a short work of prose fiction by Aphra Behn, published in 1688 by William Canning and reissued with two other fictions later that year. The eponymous hero is an African prince from Coramantien who is tricked into slavery and sold to British colonists in Surinam where he meets the narrator. Behn's text is a first person account of his life, love, rebellion and execution. Behn, often cited as the first known professional female writer, and was a successful playwright, poet, translator and essayist. She began writing prose fiction in the 1680s, probably in response to the consolidation of theatres that led to a reduced need for new plays. Published less than a year before she died, Oroonoko is sometimes described as one of the earliest English novels. Many critics argue that Behn is the foremother of British women writers, and that Oroonoko is a crucial text in the history of the novel.

About this title

About the Author:

Born in the first few decades of the seventeenth century, Aphra Behn is one of early literature s best-known female writers. Behn had the lucky distinction of being able to support herself strictly by her pen, something unheard of for women of her time. Throughout her long career, she wrote in various formspoetry, plays, proseand is known as a member of the fair triumvirate of wit alongside fellow scribes Eliza Haywood and Delarivier Manley. Although little is known about her early life, Behn s father held a post as lieutenant governor of Surinam, and Behn s experiences during her stay most likely formed the basis for her most famous work, Oroonoko. Behn was also a popular dramatist in her time, penning critical successes like The Rover and The Feigned Courtesans. Her literary exploits aside, Behn is also known to have acted as a political spy for King Charles II of England during the Second Anglo-Dutch War. Behn died in 1689, and is buried in Westminster Abbey.

About the Author:

Behn was an author, playwright, and poetess. Behn wrote for the Restoration as well as in the amatory fiction genre. In addition to being a prolific writer she also worked in other capacities for England

About this edition

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1533549990
• ISBN 13: 9781533549990
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 76