Summary

A free man. A brutal betrayal. A story the world must never forget. Twelve Years a Slave is Solomon Northup's harrowing and powerful firsthand account of being kidnapped and sold into slavery in the pre-Civil War American South. Born a free Black man in New York, Northup's life was shattered when he was abducted and forced to endure years of cruelty, injustice, and endurance on Southern plantations.

With riveting clarity and emotional depth, Northup recounts his unimaginable struggle to survive — and reclaim his freedom. More than just a memoir, this book is a historical document that exposes the brutal realities of slavery while honoring the strength of the human spirit.

Additional Information

The basis for the Academy Award-winning film. Whether you're a student of history or a reader of powerful nonfiction, this classic belongs on every bookshelf.