Author: Dieudonne Gnammankou
publisher name: Books Of Africa
ISBN: 9780956638038
The book you provided information about is titled "Hanibal: The African" by Dieudonne Gnammankou. This biography explores the life of Abram Petrovich Gannibal, also known as Hanibal, who lived from 1697 to 1761. Hanibal was an outstanding African figure in Europe during the 18th century, and his life is particularly fascinating given his rise from slavery to becoming a prominent individual in Russian aristocracy. Notably, he was the great-grandfather of Russia's renowned writer, Alexander Pushkin.
The book, based on original research, challenges previous assumptions about Hanibal's birthplace, suggesting that he was born in Logone-Birni, present-day Cameroon, rather than Ethiopia. The narrative follows Hanibal's journey from being taken as a slave to Istanbul, then to Russia at the age of eight. Tsar Peter the Great adopted and educated him, sending him to study mathematics and military engineering in France.
Hanibal's life includes experiences such as serving in the French army, studying in France, and contributing significantly to the technical advancement of the Russian army. Despite facing challenges due to his race at certain points in his life, Hanibal ended up as a respected member of the Russian aristocracy.
