Harriet Jacobs (1813–1897) was an African American writer who is best known for her autobiography 'Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl,' published in 1861 under the pseudonym Linda Brent. Jacobs' work is celebrated for its detailed account of her life as a woman enslaved in the southern United States, and it remains a pivotal piece of American literature for its unflinching portrayal of the horrors of slavery, particularly the sexual exploitation and abuse of enslaved women. Born into slavery in Edenton, North Carolina, Jacobs was taught to read and write at an early age, which was a rarity for slaves and set the foundation for her later writings. Her literary style combines powerful narrative with acute social commentary, purposefully directed at the sensibilities of white Northern women to highlight the evils of the institution of slavery. Jacobs' narrative extends beyond her own individual experiences, symbolizing the collective suffering and resilience of enslaved individuals. 'Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl' remains a crucial text in African American literature and women's studies, offering an in-depth perspective on the intersections of race, gender, and power in American history.