Library Record
Metadata
Call# |
E444 .N87 2007 |
Author |
Eaken, Sue |
Title |
Twelve years a slave: and plantation life in the Antebellum South |
Summary |
The tragic story of Solomon Northup told in Twelve Years a Slave stands as an enduring classic in American history. This new edition of the book shows toa fuller extent the tragedy, adding some understanding of the reality of the limits to freedom and justice endured by a free man of color in his antebellum society. The inhumanity of his captors toward Solomon and their subsequent ability to escape punishment for their crime within the judicial system adds a part of history that has long been ignored by historians as they concentrated on slavery itself in the plantation society. The Solomon Northup story reeks of tragedy and injustice, not just in the South at the time, but all over the nation. In our pride as citizens in a nation dedicated to freedom, equality, and justice, we must be reminded that these are ideals toward which we continually struggle. Throughout our history, they have not become a reality for all citizens, black, white, red, or yellow. Slavery existed for millennia througout the world, with all races enslaving not only other races, but also members of their own. In the United States prior to the Civil War, slavery was a national, not merely a Southern, institution. Slavery still exists among the nations of the world, especially in Africa. Residuals of racism exist among our diverse people across the United States. Facts of history must temper our pride and instill a determination to bring democracy nearer to the ideal of the Founding Father - Book Cover.. |
Subjects |
Northup, Solomon, b. 1808 Slaves - United States - Biography Slaves' writings, American African Americans - Biography Plantation life - Louisiana - History - 19th century Slavery - Louisiana - History - 19th century Eaken, Sue L. |
Published Date |
2007 |
Publisher |
Center for Louisiana Studies |
Published Place |
University of Louisiana at Lafayette |
Physical Description |
xvi, 543p. : illus. ; 23 cm. |
Catalog Number |
09-TWE-RB |
Collection |
Special Collection |