Napoleon Bonaparte and Toussaint Louverture engage in a fierce battle of both wit and force over Saint-Domingue. After three months of fighting Toussaint seeks to negotiate a truce, but the French know he has to be removed.

Toussaint is arrested and embarks on his first sea voyage - one-way - to France. “By striking me you have cut the tree of black liberty in Saint- Domingue. But it will spring back up from its roots for they are many and deep.”

Author: Sudhir Hazareesingh
Abridger: Libby Spurrier
Reader: Adrian Lester
Producer: Celia de Wolff

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4 Show less