This extraordinary narrative offers a fresh perspective on the Underground Railroad as it traces the perilous journeys of fugitive ex–slaves from the United States to free black settlements in Canada. The Underground Railroad was the passage to freedom for many slaves; but it was rife with dangers. There were dedicated conductors and safe houses; but also arduous nights in the mountains and days in threatening towns. For those who made it to Midnight (the code name given to Detroit); the Detroit River became a River Jordan—and Canada became their land of Canaan; the Promised Land where they could live freely in black settlements under the protection of British law. One of these settlements was known as Dawn.In prose rich in detail and imagery; From Midnight to Dawn presents compelling portraits of the men and women who established the Railroad; and of the people who traveled it to find new lives in Canada. Some of the figures are well known; like Harriet Tubman and John Brown. But there are equally heroic; less familiar figures here as well; like Mary Ann Shadd; who became the first black female newspaper editor in North America; and Osborne Perry Anderson; the only black survivor of the fighting at Harpers Ferry. From Midnight to Dawn evokes the turmoil and controversies of the time; reveals the compelling stories behind events such as Harpers Ferry and the Christian Resistance; and introduces the reader to the real–life “Uncle Tom†who influenced Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin.An extraordinary examination of a part of American history that transcends national borders; From Midnight to Dawn will captivate readers with its tales of hope; courage; and a people’s determination to live equal under the law.
#773023 in Books Modern Library 2003-06-17 2003-06-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.98 x .76 x 5.20l; .56 #File Name: 037575704X352 pagesGreat product!
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. An Interesting Look Into "Real-World" Archaeological Debate.....By TickedOffArchaeologistAdovasio's book; describing his work and research at the Meadowcroft Rockshelter site; is a highly interesting read both for professionals in archaeology and for members of the general public. His descriptions of the sites; research; and underlying debates concerning the arrival of the first human beings in the Americas are eminently readable and very important for understanding our current state of knowledge about the Paleoindians. The only issues I have with the work are Adovasio's tendency to dismiss or to vituperate those who hold to the "Clovis first" paradigm - I agree with his conclusions that they're incorrect; but a bit more grace might have been better. (However; it still makes for interesting reading - and gives an insight into academic politics for those outside the biz!)I strongly recommend this book; and enjoyed it very much!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I liked it. It presents the view of Nort America ...By Douglas TerryI liked it. It presents the view of Nort America being peopled much further back than the approximate 10;000 years of the Clovis Man theory and the view seem to be based on good science. It also offers support to influxes of people at different times which really seems to make sense to me. Yes he does rather take on his detractors but it's in response to attacks on him. And the book is well written; well edited and humorous. It's not a dull; dry read by any means.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Good summary of the "controversy"By tom porterNot only a great summation of the history of archaeology; but a revealing account of the excavation of one of the most important dig sites that pushed back the dates on North Americas occupancy. You get a revealing look into the controversy on how early that occupancy occurred ; and see close up how close minded parts of the archaeological community are ( the Clovis Firsters). I applaud Adovasio's courage in taking on the Firsters and revealing their 'flat earth' approach to science.
