SKU: 72055686401

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

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Description

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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Feels good on the skin not greasy
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Very nice product very concentrated has a very light fragrance that dissipates very quickly not greasy. No I do not have any redness or sensitivity I wanted to try this product anyway because I'm always looking for moderately priced good quality that travels well. And this fit the bill especially with it being on sale.
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Marina Gulley
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 4
Good product , but
Size: 1.3 Fl Oz (Pack of 1), Size: 1.3 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
It seems to be a good product and it’s not too heavy , but still caused few breakouts here and there . Also, Avenue always has protective foil on their cream , this one didn’t have (I replaced it but new one also didn’t have it). Also, it goes away really fast because it’s only 1.3 ounces.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2026
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Hydrating
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Dermatologist recommended. Works very well
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Violet
Lexington, US
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This cream is truly gentle and healing for a compromised skin barrier. I prefer this cream in the winter, when the weather is dry, and after procedures like microneedling or laser. It has never irritated my skin, and does soothe and heal. The La Roche Posay cicalfate cream is also excellent, I think it is slightly less rich, so I prefer that in humidity or the summer.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2026

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