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The Underground Railroad #2
The Disappearing Man
Henry Box Brown s story is one of the most incredible tales of escape in the history of the Underground Railroad the secret network that helped slaves flee to the North. With the assistance of two other men, Henry Brown was sealed in a wooden box, 3 feet long, 2 feet, 8 inches high, and 23½ inches wide. Then he was mailed from Richmond, Virginia, to Philadelphia, a 26-hour adventure in which he was stuck upside down for long, painful stretches, and at other times was dropped on the ground, nearly breaking his neck. Henry decided to escape after two pivotal events in his life. The first was the splitting up of his family when he was about fifteen years old. When his master, John Barret, died in 1830, Henry s family was divided among five sons. Henry wound up working in a Richmond tobacco factory under the eye of William Barret. The second watershed event was the sale of his wife and children, who had a different master than Henry. They were sold in August of 1848; and on Christmas of that same year, Henry began plotting his escape. I have written both a novel and screenplay, based on Henry s two first-person narratives, written in 1849 and 1851. The Disappearing Man includes all of the elements that give a book or film mass appeal. It is a thrilling escape story, and it is a love story between Henry and Nancy; it also includes a compelling, true-life villain in the figure Henry s factory overseer, John Allen. The Disappearing Man takes readers and viewers into a world they have never seen before the urban slavery system, which was worlds apart from the plantation system that most people are familiar with from books and film. But most important, it is a gripping tale about the lengths people will go to in seeking freedom. Henry Box Brown was a sensation in his day, but he has become largely forgotten in history. The Disappearing Man brings to light one of the lost heroes of the Underground Railroad.
299 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 2011
210 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 24, 2021
What a Story!
I had never heard the story of The Disappearing Man. ( He shipped himself in a packing crate to the North to escape slavery.) However I had heard of the Underground Railroad and mention was made of the Underground Railroad in our history books back in the '60's when I was in high school. I like to learn as much as I can about historical events so I chose this book. I actually purchased it earlier and it was shelved in my Kindle Library waiting for me to get to it.
There are two other books in this series and my plan is to read them soon. We study history to help prevent the recurrence of mistakes in the past. If you are interested, look into works by this author. Links are given in the back of this to scholarly writings about these events.
I had never heard the story of The Disappearing Man. ( He shipped himself in a packing crate to the North to escape slavery.) However I had heard of the Underground Railroad and mention was made of the Underground Railroad in our history books back in the '60's when I was in high school. I like to learn as much as I can about historical events so I chose this book. I actually purchased it earlier and it was shelved in my Kindle Library waiting for me to get to it.
There are two other books in this series and my plan is to read them soon. We study history to help prevent the recurrence of mistakes in the past. If you are interested, look into works by this author. Links are given in the back of this to scholarly writings about these events.
January 10, 2020
It feels odd to praise a book that deals with such a hard to read topic of slavery, but Peterson's book fully deserves praise. A fantastic work of fiction telling about a true story. He draws you in from the beginning with great character development and holds your interest as he bounces back and forth from the "current" story and the back story that led to Henry's choice of seeking escape. Though this telling is emotionally painful to read, the hope and faith sprinkled throughout are powerful and outshine the darkness. My husband is now reading it and I look forward to having my homeschooled 8th grader read it!
February 25, 2020
Very Informative
Learning what slavery was like in the 1800s was important to me. Prejudice and bigotry continue to this day. Reading about real people makes this as disgusting as ever. We need to be better people!
Learning what slavery was like in the 1800s was important to me. Prejudice and bigotry continue to this day. Reading about real people makes this as disgusting as ever. We need to be better people!
October 10, 2011
Wonderful story.
Read
April 22, 2012Reading it for school!! whoop:) good so far!!
(especially for a school book)
Pretty amazing true storyy
(especially for a school book)
Pretty amazing true storyy
April 4, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. It is a quick read and keeps you captivated the whole time.
November 25, 2021
A suspenseful, gut-wrenching story of horrific cruelty and amazing courage. Five triumphant stars!
The second book in the Underground Railroad Series is a suspenseful, gut-wrenching narrative of one man's daring escape from slavery in 1849, with one precious goal in sight: freedom for himself and his family. More than mere words on a page, this story is an unforgettable vicarious experience. Really--it's that good!
Although it's written as a novel, this is a true story. Except for some fictional embellishments, including the courtship of Henry and Nancy brown, most of the people, places and events in this book have been documented in a number of primary and secondary sources (see the Author's Note for a list). Like any novel, the dialogue is largely a product of the author's imagination as he skillfully brings each character to life.
This book deals with a painful, shameful period in our nation's history, so it is not a pleasant story. The horrific crime of slavery is evident in descriptions of whippings, beatings, long hours of backbreaking labor in a tobacco factory, poor food, squalid living conditions, cruel overseers, and--most chilling of all--the separation and selling of spouses from each other and children from their parents.
Henry Brown spent years as a slave in a tobacco factory in Richmond, working for a cruel overseer named John Allen (I loathed that evil man). Henry was the "property" of William Barret--owner of the factory--but Henry's pregnant wife and their three small children were owned by another man, who decided to sell them in Richmond's slave market. Helpless to stop the sale, Henry was repeatedly lashed while saying goodbye to his chained wife and frightened children before they were sent to their new owner in North Carolina. (This scene was truly gut-wrenching.)
The loss of his wife and children was the catalyst Henry needed. As a slave in the South, he could do nothing to rescue his family. But if he could escape to freedom in Philadelphia, perhaps some abolitionists might find a way to buy his wife and children and bring them to Philadelphia. Clinging to that desperate hope, Henry convinced two friends to seal him into a wooden box that was three feet high and less than two and a half feet wide. (Henry weighed 200 pounds and was 5'8" tall.) The friends gave him a beef bladder filled with water, some biscuits, and a gimlet for drilling air holes. They labeled the box with a Philadelphia address, wrote "This Side Up With Care," and took it to the railroad station in Richmond for express mail delivery to Philadelphia.
The harrowing journey by train, steamboat, and wagon lasted twenty-seven hours and nearly killed Henry Brown. Wagon drivers and cargo handlers ignored "This Side Up With Care," so Henry was flipped on his head several times along the way. His neck was nearly broken when his box was pushed off a wagon. Virtually immobile, in extreme pain and covered with sweat, Henry rubbed his face with water but drank very little, knowing there was no way to relieve himself. But his physical misery paled in comparison to his constant fear of discovery.
This gripping story alternates between Henry's agonizing hours in that box and flashbacks of his life as a slave. With consummate skill, the author weaves these two separate narratives together until the mounting suspense reaches a dramatic, heartwarming conclusion. I didn't simply read this story; I felt every minute of Henry's daring escape from slavery. Kudos to the author for his meticulous research and for bringing true stories of the Underground Railroad to life, reminding us of a shameful period in our nation's history that we must never forget. Like the other titles in this series, The Disappearing Man easily earns five stars and MY HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!
The second book in the Underground Railroad Series is a suspenseful, gut-wrenching narrative of one man's daring escape from slavery in 1849, with one precious goal in sight: freedom for himself and his family. More than mere words on a page, this story is an unforgettable vicarious experience. Really--it's that good!
Although it's written as a novel, this is a true story. Except for some fictional embellishments, including the courtship of Henry and Nancy brown, most of the people, places and events in this book have been documented in a number of primary and secondary sources (see the Author's Note for a list). Like any novel, the dialogue is largely a product of the author's imagination as he skillfully brings each character to life.
This book deals with a painful, shameful period in our nation's history, so it is not a pleasant story. The horrific crime of slavery is evident in descriptions of whippings, beatings, long hours of backbreaking labor in a tobacco factory, poor food, squalid living conditions, cruel overseers, and--most chilling of all--the separation and selling of spouses from each other and children from their parents.
Henry Brown spent years as a slave in a tobacco factory in Richmond, working for a cruel overseer named John Allen (I loathed that evil man). Henry was the "property" of William Barret--owner of the factory--but Henry's pregnant wife and their three small children were owned by another man, who decided to sell them in Richmond's slave market. Helpless to stop the sale, Henry was repeatedly lashed while saying goodbye to his chained wife and frightened children before they were sent to their new owner in North Carolina. (This scene was truly gut-wrenching.)
The loss of his wife and children was the catalyst Henry needed. As a slave in the South, he could do nothing to rescue his family. But if he could escape to freedom in Philadelphia, perhaps some abolitionists might find a way to buy his wife and children and bring them to Philadelphia. Clinging to that desperate hope, Henry convinced two friends to seal him into a wooden box that was three feet high and less than two and a half feet wide. (Henry weighed 200 pounds and was 5'8" tall.) The friends gave him a beef bladder filled with water, some biscuits, and a gimlet for drilling air holes. They labeled the box with a Philadelphia address, wrote "This Side Up With Care," and took it to the railroad station in Richmond for express mail delivery to Philadelphia.
The harrowing journey by train, steamboat, and wagon lasted twenty-seven hours and nearly killed Henry Brown. Wagon drivers and cargo handlers ignored "This Side Up With Care," so Henry was flipped on his head several times along the way. His neck was nearly broken when his box was pushed off a wagon. Virtually immobile, in extreme pain and covered with sweat, Henry rubbed his face with water but drank very little, knowing there was no way to relieve himself. But his physical misery paled in comparison to his constant fear of discovery.
This gripping story alternates between Henry's agonizing hours in that box and flashbacks of his life as a slave. With consummate skill, the author weaves these two separate narratives together until the mounting suspense reaches a dramatic, heartwarming conclusion. I didn't simply read this story; I felt every minute of Henry's daring escape from slavery. Kudos to the author for his meticulous research and for bringing true stories of the Underground Railroad to life, reminding us of a shameful period in our nation's history that we must never forget. Like the other titles in this series, The Disappearing Man easily earns five stars and MY HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!
November 29, 2020
After reading the very exciting The Vanishing Woman, I couldn't wait to dive into The Disappearing Man. Sad to say it did not have the same WOW factor that "Vanishing" did.
Not that mailing yourself, a slave, to Philadelphia from the South isn't interesting and clever, it's just there wasn't much to it. Henry Brown is just trying to get along in the vicious world of being a slave in 1840s South. His master treats him well, but Henry's wife Nancy belongs to another man, and she has been sold twice since she and Henry married. Pregnant with child #4, Nancy talks about running, but Henry worries it will be even more difficult with 3 little kids and her again pregnant. Then Nancy and the children are sold, and Henry decides the best thing to do is get to freedom and then try and free his family. He comes up with idea of being placed in a box and mailed to Philadelphia. Interesting and brave idea, but not a lot happens to him while in the box. Author Doug Peterson admits he had to make up the most exciting parts of Henry's trials while in the box. He also had to make up the story of Henry and Nancy's courtship. While it was well written, it was a bit boring. Still, anyone interested in the Underground Railroad should enjoy this story.
Not that mailing yourself, a slave, to Philadelphia from the South isn't interesting and clever, it's just there wasn't much to it. Henry Brown is just trying to get along in the vicious world of being a slave in 1840s South. His master treats him well, but Henry's wife Nancy belongs to another man, and she has been sold twice since she and Henry married. Pregnant with child #4, Nancy talks about running, but Henry worries it will be even more difficult with 3 little kids and her again pregnant. Then Nancy and the children are sold, and Henry decides the best thing to do is get to freedom and then try and free his family. He comes up with idea of being placed in a box and mailed to Philadelphia. Interesting and brave idea, but not a lot happens to him while in the box. Author Doug Peterson admits he had to make up the most exciting parts of Henry's trials while in the box. He also had to make up the story of Henry and Nancy's courtship. While it was well written, it was a bit boring. Still, anyone interested in the Underground Railroad should enjoy this story.
November 18, 2023
The slave who was shipped to Philadelphia in a box, and arrived alive.
The story of slavery is always a sad story but this one has a HEA. Henry Brown was blessed with a wonderful voice, to sing in the church choir, and a quick hand to entertain others with his little wooden box and making the coin disappear.
There is not much happiness but Henry saw Nancy and fell in love she was the one he wanted for his wife. John Allen was his boyhood companion and fishing buddy but later in life John Allen was an enforcer in the slave filled tobacco factory. John Allen liked to show his power by whipping the slaves with little provocation, and he especially wanted to keep Henry under his control.
This story was an adventure to read with how Henry lived and eventually escaped to the north. I recommend this book to those who want a brief glimpse into the life and family of Henry Brown.
The story of slavery is always a sad story but this one has a HEA. Henry Brown was blessed with a wonderful voice, to sing in the church choir, and a quick hand to entertain others with his little wooden box and making the coin disappear.
There is not much happiness but Henry saw Nancy and fell in love she was the one he wanted for his wife. John Allen was his boyhood companion and fishing buddy but later in life John Allen was an enforcer in the slave filled tobacco factory. John Allen liked to show his power by whipping the slaves with little provocation, and he especially wanted to keep Henry under his control.
This story was an adventure to read with how Henry lived and eventually escaped to the north. I recommend this book to those who want a brief glimpse into the life and family of Henry Brown.
January 7, 2021
Engaging Story!
In the end, I enjoyed this book. It took a few chapters before I actually got into the story. I struggled a little with how the author was telling the story. But I finally came to enjoy and appreciate the authors approach to telling the story. It made each chapter exciting to read as the scene and prospective of the story varied! Well done... I rather enjoyed reading this history lesson!
In the end, I enjoyed this book. It took a few chapters before I actually got into the story. I struggled a little with how the author was telling the story. But I finally came to enjoy and appreciate the authors approach to telling the story. It made each chapter exciting to read as the scene and prospective of the story varied! Well done... I rather enjoyed reading this history lesson!
January 29, 2021
I enjoyed reading The Disappearing man and about the anti slavery society good history. We were not told what became of John Allen when he was dismissed and when Nancy died. We are told coming to the end of the story that Henry send the daughter along with the grand son to collect the magic box. Family history passing down. Great. Out of the both books I enjoy book one the best. All in all good reading
July 1, 2022
Shipment addressed to whom?
Great read. Well written. I thought it took more than a day to get to Philadelphia. What a novel idea and a brave soul to follow through. John Allen, was he for real? I read the Vanishing Woman too. It was also a learning experience. Thanks for writing the series. I was wondering if the box had an address on it. Date change on the telegram, I did not see that coming. Great touch.
Great read. Well written. I thought it took more than a day to get to Philadelphia. What a novel idea and a brave soul to follow through. John Allen, was he for real? I read the Vanishing Woman too. It was also a learning experience. Thanks for writing the series. I was wondering if the box had an address on it. Date change on the telegram, I did not see that coming. Great touch.
September 6, 2024
"The Disappearing Man" (2011) by Doug Peterson is a fictionalized account of how Henry “Box” Brown escaped slavery in 1849 by climbing into a wooden crate and having himself mailed from Richmond, Virginia to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; a trip that took twenty-seven hours. The book is a smooth read, showcasing a plethora of entertaining scenes spanning decades and featuring several real and fictional characters. Solidly recommended.
September 19, 2020
This book made my heart break!
I cannot believe all the emotions I felt, I smiled and frowned, I actually laugh and cried. I so felt and shared the emotions of this heart breaking book. So hard to believe that a human being could go through so much and still have a will to see another day.
I cannot believe all the emotions I felt, I smiled and frowned, I actually laugh and cried. I so felt and shared the emotions of this heart breaking book. So hard to believe that a human being could go through so much and still have a will to see another day.
July 24, 2022
A Box for another
Henry "Box" Brown was a new historical nugget for me but Peterson told the story with such detail. At a few points, I was so invested I felt the bite of acid in Henry's hand. I felt the humiliation Samuel Smith experienced from John Allen. I definitely recommend the series; it is a beautiful way to learn our history.... lest we forget
Henry "Box" Brown was a new historical nugget for me but Peterson told the story with such detail. At a few points, I was so invested I felt the bite of acid in Henry's hand. I felt the humiliation Samuel Smith experienced from John Allen. I definitely recommend the series; it is a beautiful way to learn our history.... lest we forget
October 23, 2022
Traveling by Box
Once Henry saw his wife and children sold and sent to North Carolina, he had no reason to live. He would do anything to get the freedom he had been promised many times so he decided to mail himself to Philadelphia, a free city for blacks. The question is can a person travel by box and live.
Once Henry saw his wife and children sold and sent to North Carolina, he had no reason to live. He would do anything to get the freedom he had been promised many times so he decided to mail himself to Philadelphia, a free city for blacks. The question is can a person travel by box and live.
January 27, 2023
A must read
This book is a must read for those interested in history. It's a work of fiction, however, its very descriptive of the lives lived by slaves. It was heart wrenching and shameful how black people were treated. It's worthwhile reading even though it's also hard to read. I recommend this book to all who are interested in the history of our nation and its people.
This book is a must read for those interested in history. It's a work of fiction, however, its very descriptive of the lives lived by slaves. It was heart wrenching and shameful how black people were treated. It's worthwhile reading even though it's also hard to read. I recommend this book to all who are interested in the history of our nation and its people.
June 25, 2023
Amazing true story about slavery and escapes during the civil war. This story is remarkable of the lengths one man went to escape his bondage and hunted for his wife and children who were sold to a different plantation owner. A MUST READ if you want the true story of the struggles and the strenghts of our black neighbors and there history.
June 5, 2020
A Man Boxed in but not Kept In
This was a fine bit of history. I liked how the author weaved a story about a true experience. Henry Brown was an inspiration to all during that time. To risk all and life in a box to get to freedom, who would have thought??
This was a fine bit of history. I liked how the author weaved a story about a true experience. Henry Brown was an inspiration to all during that time. To risk all and life in a box to get to freedom, who would have thought??
March 12, 2021
Excellent Book!
I enjoyed reading The Disappearing Man. There were times when I was on the edge of my seat and I was afraid Henry would be caught. I can't imagine what it was like for Henry to be in that box. I would have been terrified. I highly recommend The Disappearing Man.
I enjoyed reading The Disappearing Man. There were times when I was on the edge of my seat and I was afraid Henry would be caught. I can't imagine what it was like for Henry to be in that box. I would have been terrified. I highly recommend The Disappearing Man.
March 20, 2021
Fascinating
When you discover the lengths and the absolute horror slaves went through to be free in a country that touted freedom, this book maybe fictional but it tells some truths that cannot be denied. Some truths never die, Racism and privilege.
When you discover the lengths and the absolute horror slaves went through to be free in a country that touted freedom, this book maybe fictional but it tells some truths that cannot be denied. Some truths never die, Racism and privilege.
June 1, 2021
Engrossing
I've thoroughly enjoyed Doug Peterson's book about Henry Brown. The story of slavery is often glossed over and only give credence to a few facts. But thank you, Mr Peterson. You drew me in with history and fiction.
I've thoroughly enjoyed Doug Peterson's book about Henry Brown. The story of slavery is often glossed over and only give credence to a few facts. But thank you, Mr Peterson. You drew me in with history and fiction.
August 16, 2021
Henry
Based on a true story, the author did a good job describing the state of slavery in Richmond, Virginia. This was truly a well written book that captures the readers attention right from the start.
Based on a true story, the author did a good job describing the state of slavery in Richmond, Virginia. This was truly a well written book that captures the readers attention right from the start.
November 8, 2023
I did not read all of this book. I got sick of going backwards and forwards with the story - I would have preferred a straightforward presentation of the story, so I read the first quarter then read the last chapter.
December 14, 2023
Masterpiece
I couldn't put this story down. It makes me glad of the civil war that set these people free. I know this is based on a true story, that showed what a body can endure when they have God to help us get through the impossible.
I couldn't put this story down. It makes me glad of the civil war that set these people free. I know this is based on a true story, that showed what a body can endure when they have God to help us get through the impossible.
November 15, 2025
Fascinating look at the very grave subject of Slavery in America. Based on true accounts and historical documents, follows Henry Brown from a young teen into adulthood as a slave and laborer in Richmond, Va, who ultimately gained his freedom by "mailing" himself in a crate to Philadelphia. Very fast , easy read and interesting character S, black and white. Well written - I recommend!
November 29, 2025
Phenomenal true story. Captivating all the way through while being an "easy" read. Heart wrenching at times, but heart warming from the display of human courage by the main character and those supporting him.
February 29, 2020
Great
I loved this book. Hard to put down. Sadly, most of the atrocities happened. Thankfully it has gone away now.
I loved this book. Hard to put down. Sadly, most of the atrocities happened. Thankfully it has gone away now.
April 26, 2021
Fascinating!
This book is wonderful and kept me reading until I finished it. The writing is excellent with good rhythm. I highly recommend it.
This book is wonderful and kept me reading until I finished it. The writing is excellent with good rhythm. I highly recommend it.
January 19, 2022
Excellent
This story was riveting, I couldn’t put it down. Such a moving story, I was praying for Henry all the way. What courage and faith he had
This story was riveting, I couldn’t put it down. Such a moving story, I was praying for Henry all the way. What courage and faith he had
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews