The Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad is a book published in Philadelphia in 1872 by the American businessman, historian and civil rights activist William Still (1821-1902), who is known as the father of the Underground Railroad .
The book is subtitled: A record of facts, authentic narratives, letters, & c., Narrating the hardships, hair-breadth escapes and death struggles of the slaves in their efforts for freedom, as related by themselves and others, or witnessed by the author; together with sketches of some of the largest stockholders, and most liberal aiders and advisers, of the road ( a report of facts, authentic stories, letters, etc., depicting the hardships, crystal clear escapes and death struggles of the slaves in their pursuit of freedom, as told by themselves and others, or as testified by the author; along with sketches of some of the greatest shareholders and most of the most generous helpers and advisers along the way ).
The book describes the stories and methods of 649 slaves who fled to freedom via the Underground Railroad. William Still included his carefully compiled and detailed documentation on the Underground Railroad Records pages of those whom he had helped escape.
Charles L. Blockson describes it as a classic work in the foreword to his book on the Underground Railroad .
References and footnotes
- ↑ William Still, Darby, and the Desegregation of Philadelphia Streetcars (darbyhistory.com)
- ↑ Charles L Blockson: The Underground Railroad , New York, Berkley Books, 1989, ISBN 0425115887 , Preface, IX.