Behn, Aphra 1640-1689 creator Todd, Janet M. 1942- text London New York Penguin Books 2003 Penguin classics ed. monographic xl, 99 p. ; 21 cm. When Prince Oroonoko's passion for the virtuous Imoinda arouses the jealousy of his grandfather, the lovers are cast into slavery and transported from Africa to the colony of Surinam. Oroonoko's noble bearing soon wins the respect of his English captors, but his struggle for freedom brings about his destruction. Inspired by Aphra Behn's visit to Surinam, Oroonoko reflects the author's romantic view of native peoples as in 'the first state of innocence, before man knew how to sin'. The novel also reveals Behn's ambiguous attitude to African slavery - while she favoured it as a means to strengthen England's rule, her powerful and moving work conveys its injustice and brutality. This new edition of Oroonoko is based on the first printed version of 1688, and includes a chronology, further reading and notes. In her introduction, [the editor] examines Aphra Behn's views of slavery, colonization and politics, and her position as a professional woman writer in the Restoration.-Back cover Aphra Behn ; edited with an introduction and notes by Janet Todd. Includes bibliographical references (p. [xxxvii]-xl). Slave trade Fiction Slavery Fiction Africa Fiction Suriname Fiction 9780140439885 2004559817 6666