The Underground Railroad (Illustrated Edition) (eBook)

William Still (1821-1902), often dubbed the 'Father of the Underground Railroad,' was a renowned African American abolitionist, historian, and civil rights activist. Born on October 7, 1821, in Burlington County, New Jersey, to formerly enslaved parents, Still grew up witnessing the pervasive injustices of slavery. He moved to Philadelphia in 1844, where he became an influential member of the Pennsylvania Society for the Abolition of Slavery. Still's dedicated activism led him to assist enslaved individuals fleeing the South, and he meticulously recorded the stories of hundreds of fugitives, which would later become the cornerstone of his seminal literary work, 'The Underground Railroad' (1872). This illustrated edition of his book provides a rare and essential first-hand account of the clandestine network that helped African Americans escape slavery. It also affirms Still's commitment to the struggle for freedom and presents a valuable historical document for the understanding of the period. His literary style is marked by a sober and methodical approach to relaying the narratives of escapees, combining an eye for detail with a deep sense of empathy. William Still's contributions to American history and literature provide critical insights into the experiences of those who braved the perils of the Underground Railroad, and his works remain pivotal in the study of abolitionist movements and African American history.