Flee North

“Combining the best elements of rigorously researched history and thrilling narrative, Flee North details the unlikely partnership between Thomas Smallwood, a bold, brave Black man born into slavery in Maryland, and Charles Torrey, a devout White New Englander who risked his life to help others escape from bondage . . . Flee North, a gripping story told at a brisk pace in the no-fuss prose of a practiced reporter, is a model of the advantages that journalists can bring to the writing of history . . . Flee North is the kind of story we sorely need at a time when there is no shortage of opportunities for inspiring acts of heroism.”—Richard Kreitner, The Washington Post

“Flee North stands on its own . . . as both a thrilling portrait of the underground in action and as an inspiring demonstration of the extraordinary personal courage and sacrifice that activists demanded of themselves at a time when slavery’s defenders dominated the national government and cynical businessmen like Slatter built mansions on profits derived from selling their fellow human beings.”—Fergus M. Bordewich, The Wall Street Journal

“In his riveting new book, Scott Shane for the first time recounts the extraordinary story of Thomas Smallwood, a former slave who purchased his own freedom and worked as a shoemaker in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol. As a free man, Smallwood heroically led hundreds of enslaved people out of bondage, then mocked their former owners in sharply written dispatches in the abolitionist press. It was Smallwood, Shane argues convincingly, who had the distinction of naming the 'underground railroad.' Flee North restores to American history one of the most daring African American abolitionists, author of a long-neglected slave narrative, who not only courageously fought slavery but brilliantly satirized it.”—Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Harvard University

“This book is a treasure. Weaving together three unforgettable characters, Scott Shane transforms the origins of the underground railroad from a romantic nickname into full-scale human drama of tears, triumph, and laughter."—Taylor Branch, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Parting the Waters: America in the King Years, 1954-63

“Scott Shane has unearthed an extraordinary tale. His fast-paced story is not just inspiring, but also offers the satisfying spectacle of seeing exasperated slaveholders who had lost their human property get publicly taunted by one of the brave pair who helped smuggle these men, women, and children to freedom.”—Adam Hochschild, award-winning historian and author of American Midnight

“Written in an engaging, dynamic style, Flee North will captivate readers who want to know how people like Smallwood succeeded in duping countless enslavers. The fascinating tale of a swashbuckling abolitionist and his white activist companion will make readers wish for a film adaptation. This book is a tale of triumph in the face of unspeakable adversity. Highly recommended for both public and academic libraries.”—Booklist (starred review)

“A forgotten chapter in abolitionist history is restored to history in a lively, readable narrative.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Shane (Objective Troy) brings to vivid life the exploits of abolitionist Thomas Smallwood in this exhilarating account . . . This astonishing and propulsive narrative rights a historical wrong by returning Smallwood to prominence. It’s an absolute must-read.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)