"Twelve Years a Slave" is the most important book about slavery in America. It is the accurate telling of the horrible experiences suffered by Solomon Northup after being kidnapped and forced into slavery for twelve long years of torture, punishments, and humiliations. The book is written by Mr. Northup himself and includes an appendix of notarized documents showing all the relevant documents about his subsequent release after those twelve years. An essential book to understand a dark period in history, and to help heal the wounds inflicted on innocent people like Mr. Northup.