This work investigates the lived experience of American slavery by centering the voices of those who endured it. Julius Lester compiles and edits primary source narratives from formerly enslaved people, providing a historical framework that prioritizes the testimony of the oppressed over traditional academic interpretations. By organizing these accounts chronologically, the book illustrates the evolution of the institution of slavery and the resilience of the individuals caught within its structure.

This text is regarded as a foundational resource for understanding the internal reality of American slavery through the lens of those who lived it. The presentation of these primary sources offers a stark, unvarnished look at historical trauma that remains essential for students and researchers of the period.