About the book
David Ruggles (1810–1849) was one of the most heroic — and has been one of the most often overlooked — figures of the early abolitionist movement in America. Graham Russell Gao Hodges provides the first biography of this African American activist, writer, publisher, and hydrotherapist who secured liberty for more than six hundred former bond people, the most famous of whom was Frederick Douglass. A forceful, courageous voice for black freedom, Ruggles mentored Douglass, Sojourner Truth, and William Cooper Nell in the skills of antislavery activism. As a founder of the New York Committee of Vigilance, he advocated a “practical abolitionism” that included civil disobedience and self-defense in order to preserve the rights of self-emancipated enslaved people and to protect free blacks from kidnappers who would sell them into slavery in the South.
Hodges’s narrative places Ruggles in the fractious politics and society of New York, where he moved among the highest ranks of state leaders and spoke up for common black New Yorkers. His work on the Committee of Vigilance inspired many upstate New York and New England whites, who allied with him to form a network that became the Underground Railroad.
Hodges’s portrait of David Ruggles establishes the abolitionist as an essential link between disparate groups — male and female, black and white, clerical and secular, elite and rank-and-file — recasting the history of antebellum abolitionism as a more integrated and cohesive movement than is often portrayed.
Editions of David Ruggles
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807833261
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807872642
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807895795
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469604213
- EBook
- ISBN 9798893130904
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890868282
Read an Excerpt
David Ruggles (1810–1849) was one of the most heroic — and has been one of the most often overlooked — figures of the early abolitionist movement in America. Graham Russell Gao Hodges provides the first biography of this African American activist, writer, publisher, and hydrotherapist who secured liberty for more than six hundred former bond people, the most famous of whom was Frederick Douglass. A forceful, courageous voice for black freedom, Ruggles mentored Douglass, Sojourner Truth, and William Cooper Nell in the skills of antislavery activism. As a founder of the New York Committee of Vigilance, he advocated a “practical abolitionism” that included civil disobedience and self-defense in order to preserve the rights of self-emancipated enslaved people and to protect free blacks from kidnappers who would sell them into slavery in the South.
Hodges’s narrative places Ruggles in the fractious politics and society of New York, where he moved among the highest ranks of state leaders and spoke up for common black New Yorkers. His work on the Committee of Vigilance inspired many upstate New York and New England whites, who allied with him to form a network that became the Underground Railroad.
Hodges’s portrait of David Ruggles establishes the abolitionist as an essential link between disparate groups — male and female, black and white, clerical and secular, elite and rank-and-file — recasting the history of antebellum abolitionism as a more integrated and cohesive movement than is often portrayed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is David Ruggles about?
David Ruggles (1810–1849) was one of the most heroic — and has been one of the most often overlooked — figures of the early abolitionist movement in America. Graham Russell Gao Hodges provides the first biography of this African American activist, writer, publisher, and hydrotherapist who secured liberty for more than six hundred former bond people, the most famous of whom was Frederick Douglass. A forceful, courageous voice for black freedom, Ruggles mentored Douglass, Sojourner Truth, and William Cooper Nell in the skills of antislavery activism. As a founder of the New York Committee of Vigilance, he advocated a “practical abolitionism” that included civil disobedience and self-defense in order to preserve the rights of self-emancipated enslaved people and to protect free blacks from kidnappers who would sell them into slavery in the South.
Hodges’s narrative places Ruggles in the fractious politics and society of New York, where he moved among the highest ranks of state leaders and spoke up for common black New Yorkers. His work on the Committee of Vigilance inspired many upstate New York and New England whites, who allied with him to form a network that became the Underground Railroad.
Hodges’s portrait of David Ruggles establishes the abolitionist as an essential link between disparate groups — male and female, black and white, clerical and secular, elite and rank-and-file — recasting the history of antebellum abolitionism as a more integrated and cohesive movement than is often portrayed.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in David Ruggles?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Biography and non-fiction prose > Biography: general
Where can I read a sample of David Ruggles?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807833261
How long is David Ruggles and how many pages does it have?
David Ruggles has 280 page(s)
Is David Ruggles part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series The John Hope Franklin Series in African American History and Culture
Who is/are the Author/s of the book David Ruggles?
Graham Russell Gao Hodges
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
David Ruggles is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807833261) and paperback(ISBN 9780807872642) and ebook(ISBN 9780807895795) and ebook(ISBN 9781469604213) and ebook(ISBN 9798893130904) and pdf(ISBN 9798890868282)
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