Solomon Northup was born and thrived as a free man—until he was drugged, kidnapped, and sold into slavery by criminals who captured runaway slaves and free blacks alike. Once a dedicated father, labourer and talented violinist, Northup's twelve years in slavery were defined by powerlessness, violence, and exploitation. Later adapted into a film which won the 2013 Academy Award for Best Picture, his harrowing telling of that time provides a must-read first-hand account of slavery in America. Kobo Editions offers this fully-accessible version of the original text for your enjoyment.