Title
The Two Princes of Calabar: An EighteenthCentury Atlantic Odyssey,Used
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In 1767, two princes of a ruling family in the port of Old Calabar, on the slave coast of Africa, were ambushed and captured by English slavers. The princes, Little Ephraim Robin John and Ancona Robin Robin John, were themselves slave traders who were betrayed by African competitorsand so began their own extraordinary odyssey of enslavement. Their story, written in their own hand, survives as a rare firsthand account of the Atlantic slave experience.Randy J. Sparks made the remarkable discovery of the princes correspondence and has managed to reconstruct their adventures from it. They were transported from the coast of Africa to Dominica, where they were sold to a French physician. By employing their considerable language and interpersonal skills, they cleverly negotiated several escapes that took them from the Caribbean to Virginia, and to England, but always ended in their being enslaved again. Finally, in England, they sued for, and remarkably won, their freedom. Eventually, they found their way back to Old Calabar and, evidence suggests, resumed their business of slave trading.The Two Princes of Calabar offers a rare glimpse into the eighteenthcentury Atlantic World and slave trade from an African perspective. It brings us into the trading communities along the coast of Africa and follows the regular movement of goods, people, and ideas across and around the Atlantic. It is an extraordinary tale of slaves relentless quest for freedom and their important role in the creation of the modern Atlantic World.
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- Q: What is 'The Two Princes of Calabar' about? A: 'The Two Princes of Calabar' recounts the true story of two princes from Old Calabar who were captured by English slavers in the 18th century. It details their experiences as they navigated enslavement and their eventual quest for freedom, providing a unique perspective on the Atlantic slave trade.
- Q: Who is the author of the book? A: The book is authored by Randy J. Sparks, who discovered the princes’ correspondence and reconstructed their adventures.
- Q: What is the book's publication date? A: 'The Two Princes of Calabar' was published on February 28, 2009.
- Q: What is the book's genre or category? A: The book falls under the category of Africa, focusing on historical accounts of the slave trade.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book contains a total of 208 pages.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This edition of 'The Two Princes of Calabar' is available in paperback binding.
- Q: Is the book in new condition? A: Yes, the book is in new condition.
- Q: What are the key themes explored in the book? A: Key themes include the slave trade, the experiences of enslaved individuals, African perspectives on the Atlantic World, and the quest for freedom.
- Q: Does the book include illustrations? A: Yes, this edition of the book is illustrated.
- Q: What makes this book a unique read? A: The book offers a rare firsthand account of the Atlantic slave experience from the perspective of African princes, providing insights into the dynamics of the slave trade and the resilient quest for freedom.