Angela F. Murphy

Murphy's book on the Jerry Rescue is perhaps one of the best things I have read to help me understand the context of the multitude of anti-slavery positions in 19th century US. The Jerry Rescue was one of the most successful attempts to challenge the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850. Some of the actors in this event were the cousins of my 4x grandfather Keeler Hoyt. But I feel the strength of this book is her presentation of the differences between the organizations lead by the colonization movement, William Lloyd Garrison followers, Gerrit Smith followers (Liberty Party), and the Tappan Brothers. Additionally, the research draws heavily upon the autobiographies and first hand accounts of people who were intimately involved in maintaining the freedom of a fugitive slave, which makes the narrative very personal and humanizing. Although this book is from an academic press and is very academic in its research and thesis, it is written in a style that will render it accessible to popular culture. AMAZING!… (meer)