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Description
Steel Drivin' Man: John Henry, the Untold Story of an American LegendThe ballad "John Henry" is the most recorded folk song in American history and John Henry the mighty railroad man who could blast through rock faster than a steam drill is a towering figure in our culture. In Steel Drivin' Man, Scott Reynolds Nelson recounts the true story of the man behind the iconic American hero, telling the poignant tale of a young Virginia convict who died working on one of the most dangerous enterprises of the time, the first
The ballad "John Henry" is the most recorded folk song in American history and John Henry--the mighty railroad man who could blast through rock faster than a steam drill--is a towering figure in our culture.In Steel Drivin' Man, Scott Reynolds Nelson recounts the true story of the man behind the iconic American hero, telling the poignant tale of a young Virginia convict who died working on one of the most dangerous enterprises of the time, the first rail route through the Appalachian Mountains. Using census data, penitentiary reports, and railroad company reports, Nelson reveals how John Henry, victimized by Virginia's notorious Black Codes, was shipped to the infamous Richmond Penitentiary to become prisoner number 497, and was forced to labor on the mile-long Lewis Tunnel for the C&O railroad. Equally important, Nelson masterfully captures the life of the ballad of John Henry, tracing the song's evolution from the first printed score by blues legend W. C. Handy, to Carl Sandburg's use of the ballad to become the first "folk singer," to the upbeat version by Tennessee Ernie Ford.
Attractively illustrated with numerous images, Steel Drivin' Man offers a marvelous portrait of a beloved folk song--and a true American legend.
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 08/04/2008
ISBN: 9780195341195
Pages: 214
Weight: 0.65lbs
Size: 8.55h x 5.48w x 0.56d
Review Citations: New York Times Book Review 10/12/2008 pg. 32
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★★★★★ 5
Good product for a good price
Size: Large, Color: Pale Pink
Good quality, good fit. Length wise it slightly longer but overall a good product.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Best wallet ever!!
Color: Brown (Trifold)
Got this for my dad for Xmas. He’s the pickiest person ever with wallets. He’s had the same one since I was in elementary school. He likes the trifold heavy duty wallets so I thought I’d give this a try and he has been using it ever since! He really likes the quality and durability and trifold in this wallet. Super secure and the leather is nice. Lots of card capacity and isn’t too thick
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Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Heavy duty wallet.
Color: Black (Trifold)
Wow, this wallet is heavy duty thick leather with fantastic stitching. Will last a long time, very durable for a work wallet. The leather is smooth and fits well in the back pocket. A wallet for a man, not a boy.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Great wallet
Color: Black (Trifold)
He liked it
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Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Wallet
Color: Brown (Trifold)
Excellent material and very durable, a very necessary gift for my husband, he loved it
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Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2026