NEWS SOURCE: The Still Family Society Inc.

NEW YORK, NY – May 2 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Originally published in 1872 and out of print for many years, this landmark book presents accounts of slaves escaping north by way of the Underground Railroad. The stories were recorded and preserved by William Still, a son of emancipated slaves and a key figure in Philadelphia’s anti-slavery movement during the mid-19th century. From his base in Philadelphia, William Still (1821-1902), helped unknown numbers of fugitive slaves reach freedom and recorded hundreds of their stories. This landmark work, “The Underground Railroad” (ISBN: 0-9374548-55-3/$49.50), stands among the most significant records of human oppression, struggle, and deliverance, of all times.

Photo Caption: Book jacket for “The Underground Railroad” 2005 Edition.

Discovered to be a vital part of American History, nearly 200 slave narratives appear in the book, supported by over 60 illustrations, hundreds of letters and newspaper clippings, and biographical sketches of leading 19th century abolitionists. All of these materials were recorded, written or collected by William Still, primarily during his years as chairman of the active vigilance committee of the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society.

The Fugitive Act of 1850, made William Still’s work particularly risky. Under the law, free northern states were prohibited from harboring so-called runaway slaves, and citizens who provided aid were subject to steep fines, civil penalties, and imprisonment. Despite the risks, Still corresponded with, interviewed and recorded the stories of these fugitives, then concealed the records in a crypt until the day he could safely make them public.

The 2005 edition includes the complete text of the 1872 edition, along with a biography of William Still. We are also pleased to include in the present edition, a new foreword by Professor Sarah Smith Ducksworth of Kean University (NJ), the authors’ (William Still) preface from the 1878 edition, as well as the new preface by Sam Still, III, and endorsements by Dr. John Hope Franklin, Duke University and Dr. William “Bill” Cosby, PhD and entertainer.

Summary:

“The Underground Railroad” by William Still
A conductor’s firsthand account
Originally published in 1872 – Restored to Print
A Black History Month Essential
ISBN: 0-9374548-55-3 – $49.50 – 2005
Plexus Publishing, Inc.

Ordering Information:

For orders of 9 copies or less and more information please contact:
William Still, The Still Family Society, Inc., Fax (718) 479-2369
e-mail: wstillfamily @ aol.com

For orders of 10 copies or more please contact:
Plexus Publishing, Inc.
directly at (609) 654-6500, ext. 144; Fax (609) 654-4309;
e-mail: info @ plexuspublishing.com
Website: www.plexuspublishing.com

News issued by: The Still Family Society, Inc.

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Original Story ID: (333) :: 2005-05-0502-007

Original Keywords: Underground Railroad, William Still, The Still Family Society, Inc., Plexus Publishing, Inc., black history, escape slavery, emancipation, Black History Month Essential, emancipated slaves, Philadelphia’s anti-slavery movement, freedom, ISBN: 0-9374548-55-3, Professor Sarah Smith Ducksworth of Kean University, New Jersey news, New York news, book, author, writer, publisher, The Underground Railroad The Still Family Society, Inc.

NEWS SOURCE: The Still Family Society Inc. | Published: 2005-05-02 19:01:00


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