Document Type
Book Review
Publication Date
2024
Publication Title
Middle Ground Journal
Volume
27
Pages
3-4
Abstract
"Sailing to Freedom: Maritime Dimensions of the Underground Railroad" edited by Timothy D. Walker explores the often overlooked maritime aspects of the Underground Railroad. The book consists of ten chapters written by historians specializing in African American history and the land-based Underground Railroad. While the book offers valuable insights into African American history and escaping slavery, it is less focused on maritime history. The chapters discuss various ports along the Eastern Seaboard, detailing the preparation, boarding, and arrival of enslaved individuals seeking freedom. The book provides a nuanced analysis of individual escape stories, although some chapters may be repetitive. It also highlights the maritime skills of enslaved people and the potential employment opportunities in the whaling industry after escape. Overall, the book is recommended for historians of African American history and maritime history, but may not be suitable for general readership. The paperback version is moderately priced, while the hardcover version is more expensive and likely targeted towards academic libraries.
Rights
© 2024 Midwest World History Association. All rights reserved.
Included with the kind written permission of the copyright holder.
ORCID
0000-0001-5403-3893 (Heidbrink)
Original Publication Citation
Heidbrink, I. (2024). [Review of the book Sailing to freedom: Maritime dimensions of the Underground Railroad, by T. D. Walker (Ed.)]. The Middle Ground Journal, (27), 3-4. https://middlegroundjournal.com/2024/02/09/review-of-sailing-to-freedom-edited-by-timothy-d-walker/
Repository Citation
Heidbrink, Ingo, "[Review of the book Sailing to freedom: Maritime dimensions of the Underground Railroad, by T. D. Walker (Ed.)]" (2024). History Faculty Publications. 67.
https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/history_fac_pubs/67