Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom summary
Brief summary
Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom is a captivating memoir by William and Ellen Craft. It recounts their daring escape from slavery, with Ellen disguising herself as a white man and William posing as her servant, in a journey filled with suspense and ingenuity.
Topics
Table of Contents
Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom
Summary of key ideas
Striving for Freedom
In Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom, written by William Craft, the author recounts his and his wife's incredible escape from slavery. Born into slavery in Georgia, William Craft was a skilled craftsman and his wife, Ellen, was a fair-skinned slave. Their marriage was not recognized under the law, and they lived in constant fear of being separated by their owners.
The Crafts' daring plan began to take shape when they realized that Ellen could pass as a white woman due to her complexion. They devised a bold escape plan: William would pose as her servant and Ellen as a young white planter. They knew that if they were caught, the consequences would be severe, but their desire for freedom outweighed their fear.
The Journey Begins
Disguised as a white man, Ellen Craft cut her hair short and bandaged her face to hide her identity. The Crafts embarked on their journey, traveling by train and ship, facing numerous close calls and dangerous situations. They had to maintain their composure and constantly think on their feet to avoid suspicion. William's calm demeanor and Ellen's ability to read and write were key to their success.
Despite the constant threat of discovery, the Crafts' daring plan worked, and they reached Philadelphia, a free state, in just over a week. The couple was overjoyed to breathe the air of freedom, but they knew that their journey was not over. Fearing that their former owners would hunt them down, they continued their journey to Boston, where they settled and started a new life.
Life in Freedom
In Boston, the Crafts became active members of the abolitionist movement, sharing their remarkable story to shed light on the horrors of slavery. They also became involved in the Underground Railroad, helping other slaves escape to freedom. However, despite their newfound freedom, the Crafts lived in constant fear of being recognized and captured.
After the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act, which made it even more dangerous for escaped slaves to live in free states, the Crafts decided to move to England. There, they continued their advocacy against slavery and raised their children in a society free from racial discrimination. They remained in England for nearly two decades, until the end of the American Civil War.
Return to the United States
After the Civil War, the Crafts returned to the United States. They were relieved to find that their former owners had lost their wealth and power, and they no longer had to live in fear of being recaptured. The Crafts settled in Georgia, where they established a school for freed slaves and continued their work in the education and upliftment of African Americans.
In conclusion, Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom is a powerful and inspiring narrative of the Crafts' incredible journey from slavery to freedom. Their courage, resourcefulness, and unwavering determination in the face of extreme adversity make their story a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom about?
Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom is a gripping memoir by William Craft that recounts his and his wife's daring escape from slavery in the American South. Faced with the prospect of being separated from each other, the couple devises a clever plan that involves Ellen disguising herself as a white man and William posing as her servant. Their incredible journey takes them through multiple states and eventually across the Atlantic to freedom in England. This book is a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom Review
Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom (1860) recounts the incredible escape story of William and Ellen Craft from slavery. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- The Crafts’ daring escape journey through disguise and perilous travel showcases remarkable courage and ingenuity.
- This narrative provides a rare firsthand account of the harrowing experiences faced by enslaved individuals, offering a unique perspective on their struggles for freedom.
- With its captivating storytelling and historical significance, this book sheds light on the resilience and determination of those who fought against oppression.
Who should read Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom?
Readers who are interested in personal accounts of slavery and escape
History enthusiasts who want to learn about the experiences of enslaved individuals
Those who appreciate stories of resilience, determination, and overcoming adversity
Categories with Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom
Book summaries like Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
38 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom FAQs
What is the main message of Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom?
The main message of Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom is about a daring escape to freedom from slavery.
How long does it take to read Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom?
The estimated reading time for Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom is moderate. The Blinkist summary can be read in a few minutes.
Is Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom a good book? Is it worth reading?
A captivating narrative, Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom is a compelling must-read with a powerful story.
Who is the author of Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom?
The author of Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom is William Craft.
What to read after Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom?
If you're wondering what to read next after Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens
- In Pursuit of the Unknown by Ian Stewart
- The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clark
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- ISIS by Michael Weiss and Hassan Hassan
- Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder
- Gutenberg the Geek by Jeff Jarvis
- The True Believer by Eric Hoffer
- Genome by Matt Ridley