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His Promised Land: The Autobiography of John P. Parker, Former Slave and Conductor on the Underground Railroad
John P. Parker is one of the few African Americans whose battle against slavery we can now turn to in his own words. He recounts dramatically how he helped fugitive slaves to cross the Ohio River from Kentucky and go north to freedom. He risked his life—hiding in coffins, diving off a steamboat with bounty hunters on his trail—and his freedom to fight for the freedom of hi
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Paperback
,
168 pages
Published
January 17th 1998
by W. W. Norton & Company
(first published January 17th 1996)
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Community Reviews
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This book spurred my interest in Afro-American history. Parker's autobiography is a rare gem in that is is a first-hand account of a Black conductor on the Underground Railroad. Lost in a university library in manuscript form for decades, its recent rediscovery adds an important chapter to the story of the UR. Aside from its academic significance, though, Parker's story is fascinating. A former slave, he bought his freedom, puched out a white guy who stole his ideas for an agricultural invention
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Absolutely incredible. His accounts are given so 'matter-of-factly' that it's hard to believe he wasn't more angry. His contributions to the U.S. and it's rich history should be taught, not just stumbled across in the local library. Incredible.
Sep 23, 2012
Marlene Rockmore
added it
I found out about this book -- which is a transcription -- when I went on an impromptu trip with my friend Suzy to Ripley Ohio, on the banks of the Ohip River. Across the river is Kentucky, and this is the water that was wide that fugitive slaves had to cross to make their way to Canada. John Parker was born into slavery, and this story is a tale of courage and humanity that is exciting. Why don't we know more? Jphn Parker as a child walked in chains from Virginia to Alabama, manage to buy his f
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A very interesting account of the experiences of one black man active in the underground railway. A scene in the book depicts the real "Eliza" character from Uncle Tom's Cabin. The story is quite similar and is the account Harriet Beecher Stowe took her scene of Eliza crossing the river. Fascinating insight to the operation.
Interesting stories of how the underground railroad functioned.
Excellent read. I could not put it down.
If you think life ever stinks, try being John P. Parker for a day! This book has got to be one of the best books I have ever read in my life. Inspirational, tragic, dramatic, adventurous, humorous, a wonderful ending to boot...you just can't get any better than reality! With his writing style, you really do feel like you were there. Just go buy it and own it...you'll want to read it over and over.
This is a little uneven, and it's hard to know how much of it reflects John Parker's voice. But there's good information here about the Underground Railroad, especially the dynamics in Ripley, Ohio. This is one of about eight books I have. The collection provides a more detailed and balanced picture.
I could not put this book down! This piece of history took place only a few miles from where I live so that made it particularly interesting. Now I can't wait to visit this man's home, which is now open to the public. This is a great story to pass on to your children as well. Incredible heroism.
Alright, I think I'm going to have to leave this one unfinished. I had to read it in school and then I realized I could get away with doing the assignment with the book unfinished. It was ok. It was mostly kind of slow. I'm into this kind of stuff but the book isn't something I'm dying to finish.
This is one of those late 19th century autobiographies that is too self-satisfied, high-intentioned and highly moral to be quite believable. That being said, it is a fascinating ground level insight into the underground railroad operations in northern Kentucky and southern Ohio and Indiana.
very fascinting read. If you are looking for a book that gives insight into what slavery in the South was like, try this book.
Outstanding autobiography of a slave buying his freedom and becoming a conductor on the Underground Railroad in Ripley, OH. One of the few such autobiographies.
A must read for everyone!
A must read for everyone!
Read this book, then go to Ripley, Ohio and stand on the banks of Ohio and look up at the sleepy little town and imagine it 150 years ago. It will come alive.
Recommended to me by my sister-in-law who loves history. It was OK. Informative read and some humor!
Go out and find this book right now! It may be the best book I will read in 2011. Too bad it is so short.
Very interesting history of the Underground Railroad and the impact Cincinnati and Ripley, Ohio had on it.
Great narrative, but I wasn't hooked in until the last few chapters unfortunately
Excellent! If you have any interest in this, it is a must read.
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Dec 21, 2007 09:30AM