Williams was a fascinating individual who in this memoir manages to cram more life into fewer pages than almost anyone, a habit of a traveling life that must have served him well
Williams was a fascinating individual who, in this memoir, manages to cram more life into fewer pages than almost anyone, a habit of a travelling life that must have served him well
For understandable reasons, black American records of the Gold Rush are very rare, and so are underground railroad accounts from those fleeing to freedom; yet here in this single book is the account of a self-taught escaped slave and underground railroad worker who also succumbed to the lure of the California Gold Rush. James Williams was all of these things and more, a fascinating individual who in this memoir manages to cram more life into fewer pages than almost anyone, a habit of a traveling life that must have served him well. We learn about Williams's birth and escape from the South, his travels and exciting experiences on the West Coast in the mid-nineteenth century, and we become privy to his views on the many people he met, including Chinese immigrants, and his observations on notable events of his time, such as the Modoc War in California. The clear voice and keen eye of James Williams provide a unique glimpse into a complex, rapidly changing world, an America bustling and growing on two shores of a continent yet poised to soon divide itself in a civil conflict. Malcolm J. Rohrbough is a professor of history at the University of Iowa.His books include Days of Gold: The California Gold Rush and the American Nation (1996).
“"The most remarkable of all Gold Rush chronicles, being the adventures of an escaped slave in the mines of California, and his later experiences. This is one to get!" Council Fires: The Publication for Western Americana Enthusiasts"From the beginning of the Gold Rush, among the pioneers seeking greater wealth, security, and freedom were African Americans, free and slave alike. . . . Taking up residence in mining districts, farm regions, and especially towns and cities, . . . [they] suffer[ed] all manner of job and civil rights discrimination and personal indignities, black people nevertheless established families, businesses, churches, newspapers, and social and mutual protective organizations." California History”
"The most remarkable of all Gold Rush chronicles, being the adventures of an escaped slave in the mines of California, and his later experiences. This is one to get!" Council Fires: The Publication for Western Americana Enthusiasts "From the beginning of the Gold Rush, among the pioneers seeking greater wealth, security, and freedom were African Americans, free and slave alike... Taking up residence in mining districts, farm regions, and especially towns and cities, ... [they] suffer[ed] all manner of job and civil rights discrimination and personal indignities, black people nevertheless established families, businesses, churches, newspapers, and social and mutual protective organizations." California History
Malcolm J. Rohrbough is a professor of history at the University of lowa. His books include Days of Gold: The California Gold Rush and the American Nation (1996).
This item is eligible for simple returns within 30 days of delivery. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. See our returns policy for further details.
