Book Title and Publication Year

"Twelve Years a Slave" (1853) is a memoir and slave narrative by Solomon Northup, as told to and edited by David Wilson.

Author Background

Northup, a black man who was born free in New York, details his kidnapping in Washington, D.C. and subsequent sale into slavery.

Summary of Northup's Experience

After having been kept in bondage for 12 years in Louisiana by various masters, Northup was able to write to friends and family in New York, who were in turn able to secure his release.

Details in the Account

Northup's account provides extensive details on the slave markets in Washington, D.C. and New Orleans and describes at length cotton and sugar cultivation on major plantations in Louisiana.

(Excerpt from Wikipedia)