Oroonoko

First published in 1688 Oroonoko follows the tragic love story of Oroonoko an African prince and his beloved Imoinda. When the king hears of Imoindas beauty he demands that she become one of his wives giving her a sacred veil thus forcing her to become a member of his harem. Oroonoko believing that the king is too old to consummate their marriage secretly plans a romantic rendezvous with Imoinda an action which consequently results in the two being sold into slavery. After travelling to Surinam an English colony at the time Oroonoko is surprisingly reunited with Imoinda. The two live together as husband and wife under their slave names of Caesar and Clemene. Imoinda becomes pregnant and the two petition their master to be returned to their homeland. When their request is denied Oroonoko plans a slave revolt an action when ultimately leads to the novels tragic conclusion. A compelling and sympathetic novel Oroonoko is regarded as one of the earliest of English novels which was immensely popular in its time and shone an important light on the brutality of slavery in the English colonies. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.