Preface by the Author and Introduction by the Editor Summary and Analysis

In her author's preface, Ms. Jacobs explains that while she did change the names of the characters and other identifying details in her narrative, all of the significant information presented is non-fiction. She anticipates that the reader might find it difficult to believe certain highly dramatic events in her life but insists that everything she reports is true. She says that she was, at first, hesitant to write a book about her experiences due to her self-consciousness about her lack of formal education. She believes that her literary talents are not up to the task of portraying the evils of slavery to the reader. However, at the insistence of her friends, she has consented to write and publish her story. She hopes that she might...