{"product_id":"be-free-or-die-the-amazing-story-of-robert-smalls-escape-from-slavery-to-union-hero","title":"Be Free or Die: The Amazing Story of Robert Smalls' Escape from Slavery to Union Hero","description":"***Finalist for the Gilder Lehrman Lincoln Prize***\n\nHenry Louis Gates, Jr: \"A stunning tale of a little-known figure in history.\"\n\nCandice Millard: “Be Free or Die makes you want to stand up and cheer.”\n\nThe astonishing true story of Robert Smalls’ amazing journey from slave to Union hero and ultimately United States Congressman.\n\nIt was a mild May morning in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1862, the second year of the Civil War, when a twenty-three-year-old slave named Robert Smalls did the unthinkable and boldly seized a Confederate steamer. With his wife and two young children hidden on board, Smalls and a small crew ran a gauntlet of heavily armed fortifications in Charleston Harbor and delivered the valuable vessel and the massive guns it carried to nearby Union forces. To be unsuccessful was a death sentence for all. Smalls’ courageous and ingenious act freed him and his family from slavery and immediately made him a Union hero while simultaneously challenging much of the country’s view of what African Americans were willing to do to gain their freedom.\n\nAfter his escape, Smalls served in numerous naval campaigns off Charleston as a civilian boat pilot and eventually became the first black captain of an Army ship. In a particularly poignant moment Smalls even bought the home that he and his mother had once served in as house slaves.\n\nCate Lineberry's Be Free or Die is a compelling narrative that illuminates Robert Smalls’ amazing journey from slave to Union hero and ultimately United States Congressman. This captivating tale of a valuable figure in American history gives fascinating insight into the country's first efforts to help newly freed slaves while also illustrating the many struggles and achievements of African Americans during the Civil War.\u003cbr\u003eASIN: 1250101867\u003cbr\u003eVSKU: BVV.1250101867.G\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Good\u003cbr\u003eAuthor\/Artist:Lineberry, Cate\u003cbr\u003eBinding: Hardcover\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition Notes\u003c\/b\u003e: Former library book with the usual stamps, stickers and labels. The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact  including the dust cover, if applicable . Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.  \u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Blue Vase Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43474785468477,"sku":"BVV.1250101867.G","price":11.57,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0589\/4225\/9261\/files\/1250101867-0.jpg?v=1786742245","url":"https:\/\/www.bluevasebooks.com\/products\/be-free-or-die-the-amazing-story-of-robert-smalls-escape-from-slavery-to-union-hero","provider":"Blue Vase Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}