Aphra Behn

Aphra Behns "Oroonoko" is a compelling narrative that intertwines themes of love, freedom, and the brutal realities of slavery, set against the backdrop of colonialism in the 17th century. Behns innovative prose, characterized by its eloquent diction and emotional depth, challenges the prevailing literary norms of her time. The novella serves as a profound commentary on the moral dilemmas faced by its titular character, an African prince enslaved in Surinam, as it navigates the complexities of identity and autonomy amid colonial oppression. Written in a style that blends elements of both tragedy and adventure, it stands as one of the earliest English novels that discusses race and human rights, influencing future generations of writers.

Aphra Behns Love-Letters Between a Nobleman and His Sister is a seminal work in the canon of early English literature, blending epistolary narrative with keen psychological insight. Set against the backdrop of the late 17th century, a time marked by emerging individualism and shifting social norms, Behn explores themes of love, desire, and social constraint through the intimate correspondence between a nobleman and his sister. The texts innovative structure illuminates the complexities of familial and romantic relationships, while its richly crafted prose combines wit and emotional depth, establishing Behn as a pioneer of both feminist literature and the novel form itself. Aphra Behn herself was a trailblazer in a male-dominated literary world, often drawing from her diverse experiences, including time in the colonies and as a spy. Her involvement in the court intrigues of the Restoration period likely shaped her understanding of loves multifaceted nature, infusing her characters with authenticity and verisimilitude. Behns bold exploration of themes surrounding gender and power reflects her own struggles for recognition in a society that often marginalized womens voices. For readers interested in the intersection of gender, power, and romance, Behns work remains a compelling and essential read. Love-Letters not only captivates with its emotional sincerity but also serves as a pivotal commentary on female agency in the 17th century. This profound text is a valuable addition to any literary collection, inviting readers to reflect on the timeless nature of love and the complexities that accompany it.

Editor: Montague Summers

The NHB Drama Classics series presents the worlds greatest plays in affordable, highly readable editions for students, actors and theatregoers. The hallmarks of the series are accessible introductions (focussing on the plays theatrical and historical background, together with an author biography, key dates and suggestions for further reading) and the complete text, uncluttered with footnotes. The translations, by leading experts in the field, are accurate and above all actable. The editions of English-language plays include a glossary of unusual words and phrases to aid understanding.The Rover is a classic Restoration comedy by the first English woman playwright.Arriving in Naples at carnival time, a group of exiled cavaliers determine to enjoy themselves. They are repeatedly tempted and tricked by various prostitutes and their pimps, until their leader, the Rover, is finally forced to give up his wild behaviour when he falls in love with a single-minded, wealthy virgin.Edited and introduced by Simon Trussler.

La tormentata storia damore fra il principe Oroonoko, nipote di un sovrano africano, e Imoinda, figlia di un valoroso condottiero. La giovane, che lanziano tiranno vorrebbe sua sposa, si ribella insieme allamato. I due nobili giovani saranno costretti alla lontananza, per poi riabbracciarsi, ormai schiavi, nella colonia inglese del Suriname. Mediante il codice della tragedia eroica, lopera affronta le complessita ideologiche legate al colonialismo, proponendo una visione combattuta tra condanna e legittimazione della schiavitu. Pubblicato per la prima volta nel 1688, "Oroonoko" e stato considerato il primo romanzo moderno della storia della letteratura inglese.

Oronooko tells the story of a fictional African prince, who is duped into slavery and sent to Surinam, a British colony in South America. There, with his beloved Imoinda also enslaved, he must use every ounce of his reasoning and nobility to persuade his captors to free him. A poignant tale, Oroonoko was first staged in the UK by the Royal Shakespeare Company, and featured Jo Martin, of TVs Doctor Who. Oroonoko is a riveting read that swayed many of Behns critics toward abolitionism. -

Editor: Montague Summers

Aphra Behn (1640-1689) was a spy for Charles II, a playwright, poet, and novelist, and the first English woman to make a living from writing. Her pen name was Astrea.Ernest A. Baker (1869-1941) was an English writer and historian of literature. In 1905, 216 years after Mrs Behns death, he introduced this collection of ten of her novels in the language of his day, a form which was not a facsimile of her texts. This ebook, prepared 329 years after her death, silently corrects some typos, and makes further changes. The Introduction and three of the stories contain many poems.The ten stories are: Oronooko, The Fair Jilt, The Nun, Agnes de Castro, The Lovers Watch, The Case for the Watch, The Ladys Looking Glass, The Lucky Mistake, The Court of the King of Bantam, and, The Adventure of the Black Lady.

Aphra BehnAos "Love-Letters Between a Nobleman and His Sister" is a pioneering work in the realm of English literature, offering a complex interplay of romance, intrigue, and social commentary. Written in the epistolary form, the novel unfolds through the correspondence between the nobleman, Sir Paul, and his sister, the spirited and autonomous letter-writer. Behn skillfully navigates themes of desire, power dynamics, and the societal constraints of the 17th century, drawing readers into a world where personal and political machinations intertwine. Her prose is imbued with wit and emotional depth, reflecting the rich tapestry of human relationships in a society marked by rigid class structures and gender norms. Aphra Behn, one of the first professional female writers in English literature, drew from her own experiences as a playwright and poet to create this novel. Living during a time of political upheaval and personal challenges, Behns perspective as a woman navigating a male-dominated literary landscape informs her characters struggles for autonomy and love. Her ability to infuse her work with both personal and political insights reveals a profound understanding of human nature and societal constraints. Readers are encouraged to delve into BehnAos "Love-Letters Between a Nobleman and His Sister" for its engaging narrative and rich character development. This novel not only entertains but also invites reflection on the evolving notions of agency and affection, making it an essential read for those interested in early feminist literature and the prelude to the modern novel.

This carefully crafted ebook: "Oroonoko: or, the Royal Slave (Unabridged)" is formatted for your eReader with a functional and detailed table of contents. This ebook is a short novel by Aphra Behn (16401689), published in 1688, concerning the love of its hero, an enslaved African in Surinam in the 1660s, and the authors own experiences in the new South American colony. It is one of the earliest English novels. Interest in it has increased since the 1970s, critics arguing that Behn is the foremother of British women writers, and that Oroonoko is a crucial text in the history of the novel. Aphra Behn (baptised 14 December 1640 16 April 1689) was a prolific dramatist of the English Restoration, the first English professional female literary writer. Her writing contributed to the amatory fiction genre of British literature. Along with Delarivier Manley and Eliza Haywood, she is sometimes referred to as part of "The fair triumvirate of wit." Behns work Oroonoko (1688) is critically acknowledged as important to the development of the English novel. She was also a key writer in seventeenth century theatre. She is perhaps best known to modern audiences for her short novel.

In "Oroonoko; or, The Royal Slave," Aphra Behn weaves a complex narrative that explores themes of race, slavery, and loyalty through the tragic tale of an African prince enslaved in the Caribbean. The novellas prose is marked by Behns distinctive voice, blending realism with allegory, fashioning a profound critique of colonialism that resonates with the eraAos growing awareness of human rights. As one of the first English novels, it ventures beyond mere entertainment, challenging contemporary ideologies surrounding race and identity while drawing from Behns vivid experiences in Suriname, where the story is set. Aphra Behn, a pioneering figure in literature, broke through the gender barriers of the 17th century as one of the first professional female writers. Her personal history as a traveler and potentially an indentured servant informs much of the raw authenticity in her portrayal of the enslaved hero, Oroonoko. Her commitment to depicting the lived realities of oppression and her historical context as a woman navigating a male-dominated literary world shaped her narrative style and themes. "Oroonoko; or, The Royal Slave" is essential reading for those interested in the foundations of the novel as a form, offering rich insights into early feminist thought and the stark realities of colonialism. BehnAos poignant storytelling invites readers to engage with complex characters and moral dilemmas, making it a compelling exploration of the human condition.

Aphra Behns Oroonoko: The Royal Slave is a poignant literary work that explores themes of race, slavery, honor, and love in the context of 17th century colonialism. Behns distinctive writing style, characterized by rich descriptions and emotional depth, immerses the reader in the tragic tale of the African prince Oroonokos betrayal and enslavement. The book is considered one of the earliest novels to address issues of slavery and remains a significant contribution to English literature. Behns nuanced portrayal of Oroonoko and his struggle for freedom elevates the novel to a powerful commentary on the human experience. Readers will appreciate Behns thought-provoking narrative that challenges societal norms and sheds light on the complexities of the human condition.

Aphra Behn (1640-1689) was a spy for Charles II, a playwright, poet, and novelist, and the first English woman to make a living from writing. Her pen name was Astrea.Ernest A. Baker (1869-1941) was an English writer and historian of literature. In 1905, 216 years after Mrs Behns death, he introduced this collection of ten of her novels in the language of his day, a form which was not a facsimile of her texts. This ebook, prepared 329 years after her death, silently corrects some typos, and makes further changes. The Introduction and three of the stories contain many poems.The ten stories are: Oronooko, The Fair Jilt, The Nun, Agnes de Castro, The Lovers Watch, The Case for the Watch, The Ladys Looking Glass, The Lucky Mistake, The Court of the King of Bantam, and, The Adventure of the Black Lady.

Aphra Behn (1640-1689) was a spy for Charles II, a playwright, poet, and novelist, and the first English woman to make a living from writing. Her pen name was Astrea.Ernest A. Baker (1869-1941) was an English writer and historian of literature. In 1905, 216 years after Mrs Behns death, he introduced this collection of ten of her novels in the language of his day, a form which was not a facsimile of her texts. This ebook, prepared 329 years after her death, silently corrects some typos, and makes further changes. The Introduction and three of the stories contain many poems.The ten stories are: Oronooko, The Fair Jilt, The Nun, Agnes de Castro, The Lovers Watch, The Case for the Watch, The Ladys Looking Glass, The Lucky Mistake, The Court of the King of Bantam, and, The Adventure of the Black Lady.

Aphra Behn (1640-1689) was a spy for Charles II, a playwright, poet, and novelist, and the first English woman to make a living from writing. Her pen name was Astrea.Ernest A. Baker (1869-1941) was an English writer and historian of literature. In 1905, 216 years after Mrs Behns death, he introduced this collection of ten of her novels in the language of his day, a form which was not a facsimile of her texts. This ebook, prepared 329 years after her death, silently corrects some typos, and makes further changes. The Introduction and three of the stories contain many poems.The ten stories are: Oronooko, The Fair Jilt, The Nun, Agnes de Castro, The Lovers Watch, The Case for the Watch, The Ladys Looking Glass, The Lucky Mistake, The Court of the King of Bantam, and, The Adventure of the Black Lady.

Aphra Behn (1640-1689) was a spy for Charles II, a playwright, poet, and novelist, and the first English woman to make a living from writing. Her pen name was Astrea.Ernest A. Baker (1869-1941) was an English writer and historian of literature. In 1905, 216 years after Mrs Behns death, he introduced this collection of ten of her novels in the language of his day, a form which was not a facsimile of her texts. This ebook, prepared 329 years after her death, silently corrects some typos, and makes further changes. The Introduction and three of the stories contain many poems.The ten stories are: Oronooko, The Fair Jilt, The Nun, Agnes de Castro, The Lovers Watch, The Case for the Watch, The Ladys Looking Glass, The Lucky Mistake, The Court of the King of Bantam, and, The Adventure of the Black Lady.

Aphra Behn (1640-1689) was a spy for Charles II, a playwright, poet, and novelist, and the first English woman to make a living from writing. Her pen name was Astrea.Ernest A. Baker (1869-1941) was an English writer and historian of literature. In 1905, 216 years after Mrs Behns death, he introduced this collection of ten of her novels in the language of his day, a form which was not a facsimile of her texts. This ebook, prepared 329 years after her death, silently corrects some typos, and makes further changes. The Introduction and three of the stories contain many poems.The ten stories are: Oronooko, The Fair Jilt, The Nun, Agnes de Castro, The Lovers Watch, The Case for the Watch, The Ladys Looking Glass, The Lucky Mistake, The Court of the King of Bantam, and, The Adventure of the Black Lady.

Editor: Montague Summers

Aphra Behn (1640-1689) was a spy for Charles II, a playwright, poet, and novelist, and the first English woman to make a living from writing. Her pen name was Astrea.Ernest A. Baker (1869-1941) was an English writer and historian of literature. In 1905, 216 years after Mrs Behns death, he introduced this collection of ten of her novels in the language of his day, a form which was not a facsimile of her texts. This ebook, prepared 329 years after her death, silently corrects some typos, and makes further changes. The Introduction and three of the stories contain many poems.The ten stories are: Oronooko, The Fair Jilt, The Nun, Agnes de Castro, The Lovers Watch, The Case for the Watch, The Ladys Looking Glass, The Lucky Mistake, The Court of the King of Bantam, and, The Adventure of the Black Lady.