Steel Drivin' Man: John Henry, the Untold Story of an American Legend
SKU: 72055686401

Steel Drivin' Man: John Henry, the Untold Story of an American Legend

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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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SKU: 72055686401

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junebugged
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 1
Not the same rubber.
I just received these today. I already have two of the same size direct from the local pet store. The one thing I liked about them that made me want to buy more - my 13lb dog could chew on them all night and never leave a mark. The red one I received was as expected. The blue one I received was not made out of the same rubber. It was softer. We played catch a few times and it didn’t bounce the same. I looked away for 5 minutes and she had it already starting to shred. Not sure what happened but 1 of the 2 balls I was sent was not up to par, possibly defective.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2024
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Rachel
Houston, US
★★★★★ 5
Super Sturdy with hours of fun.
Color: Wild Duck, Hare, Squirrel & Alligator, Size: Small
I got the small ones that you cannot put a water bottle in. These toys have held up way better than expected. I am dog sitting a very rough with toys dog named Chunk. He tears up ever. Single. Toy my dog (Ted) has. I bought new ones just for chunk. These appealed to me with the no stuffing, They were cheaper, and have a squeaker. Everything chunk needed. They arrived on time and I thought I wasted my money. They were super soft, like too soft. They felt flimsy and weak. Like 5 minutes with chunk and they be dead. 2 hours with my dog and they would have a rip. So far 2 of them (I set two out) have lasted the whole weekend. The bunny looks very rough and disgusting, but no rips, the squeakers still work, and no random fluff everywhere. I am going to wash the bunny once chunk leaves. My very careful doggo Ted loves them too. He throws them up in the air and catches them, plays tug of war with them, and no rips. They are super sturdy. He can’t wait until Chunk leaves (chunk is 2 and Ted is 12-13) so he can play with them.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2026
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Amber B.
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
Loved it
Color: Brown/Wild Duck, Size: Large, Color: Brown/Wild Duck, Size: Large
He loved it so much, he destroyed it so we ordered another. I didn't realize that you can stick an empty water bottle inside. Again, the first one didn't last long, but he enjoyed it
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Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2026
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Doug Jones
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
Very fun interactive toy
Color: Brown/Wild Duck, Size: Medium
This toy is very versatile. There's no stuffing yet it's very soft so it can be used as a tug toy. It also makes for a fun fetch toy because it has a cavity to put a water bottle. It gives your dog something that crinkles and can be pierced when bitten and easily replaced with another empty bottle whenever necessary. That is what really makes this toy the standout of all the ones offered by Best Pet imo. I don't expect this to last forever but once my pup gets bigger we'll probably get the large size for her because there's not too many all in one fetch and tug toys at an affordable price.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2026
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Cowey Crew
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 4
Great Toy, but Big Dogs Destroy the Squeakers Fast
Color: Wild Duck, Hare, Squirrel & Alligator, Size: Large
My big dogs had the squeaker torn out in no time, but my little dog absolutely loves this toy. It’s the perfect size for her, and she carries it everywhere. Durable enough for small pups, just not tough enough for heavy chewers. Still a fun toy overall!
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Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2026

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