John S. Jacobs was an African-American author and abolitionist. After escaping from slavery he published his autobiography entitled A True Tale of Slavery in the four consecutive editions of the London weekly The Leisure Hour in February 1861. He also features prominently in the classic Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, authored by his sister Harriet Jacobs.

Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, written by herself is an autobiography by Harriet Jacobs, a mother and fugitive slave, published in 1861 by L. Maria Child, who edited the book for its author. Jacobs used the pseudonym Linda Brent. The book documents Jacobs's life as a slave and how she gained freedom for herself and for her children. Jacobs contributed to the genre of slave narrative by using the techniques of sentimental novels "to address race and gender issues." She explores the struggles and sexual abuse that female slaves faced as well as their efforts to practice motherhood and protect their children when their children might be sold away.