Fleeing for Freedom: Stories of the Underground Railroad as Told by Levi Coffin and William Still

(Paperback)

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Description

In Fleeing for Freedom George and Willene Hendrick have chosen a broad range of stories to reflect the strategies, tactics, emotions, and dangers - for both the slaves and the "conductors" - of the secret network. In their Introduction, they provide basic information about the scope and workings of the Underground Railroad and its impact on slaves, slaveholders, and the Northern abolitionist societies that were so heavily involved.

Reviews

A must for African American history collections, this book provides a compelling glimpse into a noble juncture in the American experience. -- Margaret Flanagan * Booklist *
Their introduction is particularly valuable, offering excellent background for what follows.... This well-edited work makes history accessible. * Library Journal *
The Hendricks' judicious selection of period accounts drawn from classic nineteenth-century texts honors the memory of both the fugitive slaves and their Underground Railroad and Vigilance Committee benefactors. Its colorful, yet balanced portrait of Liberty Line heroism should win the new book a wide readership. -- William L. Van Deburg, author of Modern Black Nationalism and Slavery and Race in American Popular Culture
Coffin's and Still's stories underscore slavery's cruelties, document the heroism of the slaves' black and white allies, and remind us of the resiliency and determination of the human spirit to be free. -- John David Smith, author of Black Judas; co-editor of The Dictionary of Afro-American Slavery
This book offeres insight on the movement's impact on slaves, slaveholders, and the Northern aboltionist societies that were so heavily involved. -- Kiley Clapper * Grand Forks Herald *
The book brings together for the first time...stories from...the two major chroniclers of the Underground Railroad. * University Of Illinois News Bureau *
The editors...reflect the strategies, tactics, heartbreak and dangers for both the slaves and the conductors of the fabled network. * Vicksburg Post *
This book is valuable not only for its contents but also for its introduction and its bibliographical notes. * Kliatt *
Would that we had more books like Fleeing for Freedombringing to life...dangers and rewards of the Liberty Line. * The Dallas Morning News *
An excellent introduction to the history of the system that helped between 20,000 and 75,000 slaves. * Virginia Quarterly Review *
Includes several dramatic accounts. -- Don Glynn * Niagara Gazette *
The Hendricks' introduction provides a valuable overview of the UGRR and of the lives of Coffin and Still. -- Timothy Crumrin * Indiana Magazine of History *
Unadorned and straightforward, the tales are impressive in their manner and their message. -- Pat Moore * Kliatt *

Author Bio

George and Willene Hendrick are independent scholars and researchers who together have written The Creole Mutiny, and edited Two Slave Rebellions at Sea and several collections of Carl Sandburg's poems. George Hendrick, formerly professor of English at the University of Illinois, has also edited To Reach Eternity: The Letters of James Jones. The Hendricks live in Urbana, Illinois.