About the Book

For many, the Underground Railroad evokes images of hidden tunnels, midnight rides, and daring escapes. Yet the real story is much more morally complex and politically divisive than even the myths suggest. The award-winning Bound for Canaan tells the story of this country’s first racially integrated, religiously inspired movement for social change.

Fergus M. Bordewich has written a grand epic of one of the most effective covert organizations in the history of the United States. Focusing on the six decades leading up to the Civil War, Bordewich examines the origins of the Underground Railroad and highlights the brave individuals who risked everything so that all people could be free.

Fergus M. Bordewich was born in New York City and raised in Yonkers, NY. The son of a national civil rights leader for Native Americans, he was introduced early in life to racial politics. As a journalist, Bordewich has written for many publications, including the New York Times, Harper’s, Atlantic Monthly, Smithsonian, American Heritage, and Reader’s Digest. He has written widely about human rights issues around the world and is the author of several books, including Killing the White Man’s Indian. Bordewich lives in Barrytown, NY.

“An excellent book ... as close to a definitive history as we’re likely to see.” — Wall Street Journal

Critical Praise

“Well written, moving, and stimulating...Could provide the occasion for a constructive national conversation.” — New York Times on Killing the White Man's Indian

“Well written, moving, and stimulating...Could provide the occasion for a constructive national conversation.” — St. Petersburg Times on Killing the White Man's Indian

“A vivid reconstruction of abolitionism’s most daring act of rebellion...” — Kirkus Reviews (starred)

“Rich in detail and solid storytelling: sure to awaken interest in the peculiar anti-institution.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred)

“A rich, spellbinding, and readable narrative.” — School Library Journal (starred review)

“Rich in detail, [and] its ability to evoke the emotions, sights and sounds of these clandestine ventures.” — Black Issues Book Review

“Utterly compelling.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Dramatizes a shining moment in American history-- a book filled with unsung heroes and revolutionary acts of trust.” — O magazine

“Bound for Canaan recaptures this grand history with the insightfulness, comprehensiveness, and narrative vigor the subject demands.” — David Levering Lewis, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of the two-volume life of W. E. B. Du Bois

“Bound For Canaan reveals in stunning detail and beautiful prose the inner workings of this clandestine system.” — --Kate Clifford, Ph.D. author of Bound for the Promised Land: Harriet Tubman, Portrait of an American Hero

“This fast-paced narrative is the best account we have of the network known as the Underground Railroad.” — --James McPherson, author of Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era

“A masterful story--a deeply American story.” — --Cornel West, University Professor of Religion, Princeton University, and author of Race Matters and Democracy Matters

“An excellent book . . .as close to a definitive history as we’re likely to see.” — Wall Street Journal

“A profoundly American tale.” — USA Today

“An important addition to our history, brilliantly told.” — Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“Well written, moving, and stimulating...Could provide the occasion for a constructive national conversation.” — New York Times

“Engrossing account of the Underground Railroad.” — The New Yorker

“The . . stories. . . inspire, horrify and humble.” — Washington Post

“Bordewich brings to his account [of the Underghround Railroad] the moral seriousness it deserves.” — New York Review of Books

“Excellent...The first truly comprehensive treatment of the underground railroad.” — Civil War History Magazine

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Product Details

• ISBN: 9780060524319
• ISBN 10: 0060524316
• Imprint: Amistad
• On Sale: 01/10/2006
• Trimsize: 5.310 in (w) x 8.000 in (h) x 0.950 in (d)
• Pages: 592
• List Price: $14.99
• BISAC1 : HISTORY / United States / 19th Century
• BISAC2 : HISTORY / Social History
• BISAC3 : SOCIAL SCIENCE / Ethnic Studies / African American Studies
• BISAC4 : SOCIAL SCIENCE / Black Studies (Global)