Shipping Estimate
USA
- USA
- CAN
- USA
- CAN
Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 8 - Jul 13
Promo Codes Available:
For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15
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
Shipping Notes
- Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
- Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
- Delivery to the USA:
- Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
- If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
- We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
- Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
- To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
- Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
4.9 ★★★★★
Based on 1647 reviews
Sort
Product Reviews
★★★★★ 5
Attractive and strong shelves.
Color: Dark Carbonized Pine, Size: 16.5 x 6.1 x 0.59 inches
These shelves are not only easy to install, but they look great too. I made a Mimi bar and these were strong enough to hold My liqueurs as well as glasses.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2026
★★★★★ 5
It works great
Color: Brown, Size: 16.5 x 6.1 x 0.59 inches, Color: Brown, Size: 16.5 x 6.1 x 0.59 inches
This was everything I needed. And it was exactly as described. And I really like the multiple ways that the brackets can be used. Good product. And a very good price.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2026
★★★★★ 4
Read the sizes
Color: Black, Size: 16.5 x 6.1 x 0.59 inches
These look bigger and wider in the photos, but they are small, so read the measurements before buying.
They are not real wood but they are sturdy and look great on my wall! They are easy to put together also. I love them!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Such a good price!
Color: Dark Carbonized Pine, Size: 16.5 x 6.1 x 0.59 inches
Love them! They are so cute, couple notes. The wood doesn’t come with pre drilled pilot holes for attaching the brackets so you will need a drill/drillbits. It is real wood which impressed me, but outside tools definitely required. Including a level!! The “level” they offer is indeed a bubble in liquid, but it’s about an inch long, 1/2in wide and a cylinder so probably the most useless, cutest level I’ve seen in my life. Otherwise great! They hold exactly what I need.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Great shelves
Color: Black, Size: 16.5 x 6.1 x 0.59 inches
These are great little shelves. They’re sturdy and nice looking. Perfect for the small office redo.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2026