A narrative of the most remarkable particulars in the life of James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, an African prince / written by himself
A narrative of the most remarkable particulars in the life of James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, an African prince / written by himself
(Bath printed; Newport, Rhode-Island: reprinted and sold by S. Southwick, in Queen-Street, 1774)
James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw
19 cm (octavo)
Ukawsaw Gronniosaw was probably born in present-day Nigeria. He was sold into slavery as a youth and taken to Barbados and later New York City. After being freed in his master’s will, Gronniosaw decided to travel to London, where he was baptized and eventually married an English weaver. His autobiography, which “was taken from his own Mouth, and committed to Paper by the elegant Pen of a young LADY of the Town of LEOMINSTER,” became an important touchstone for subsequent African British writers.
It was first published in Bath in 1772 and went through at least twelve editions by the end of the century. The text foregrounds Gronniosaw’s spiritual revelation and conversion to Christianity.
As these examples demonstrate, the title varied from edition to edition, referring to Gronniosaw alternately as James Albert, “The Black Prince,” and “An African Prince.” Among Gronniosaw’s early readers was Phillis Wheatley (ca. 1753–1784). They both dedicated their texts to Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon (1701–1791), founder of an evangelical movement with churches in Britain and Sierra Leone.
Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University, JWJ Zan G898 770Nb