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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Comfy, cool
Color: 01 - Dark Grey, Size: Queen
This is my first time buying rayon/ bamboo sheets, and now I finally see what I've been missing. Very comfortable, soft, and feel really nice against the skin. Nice for this price point too. I took off one star because they do tend to wrinkle quickly, so I have to readjust them every night before going to bed. Also be aware that oil from your skin and hair products tend to stain them very quickly, and the stains are not easy to get out. But I'm ok with that as a trade-off for the comfort!
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Omaha, US
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Color: 01 - Dark Grey, Size: Queen
Queen. Grey. Beautiful. Nice snug fit. Feels like silk. Super comfortable, soft, almost buttery. And truly cooling fabric. The price point is a steal. I will be ordering these sheets in all the colors. P.S. these sheets also laundered beautifully. I’m very very pleased with this purchase.
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Rebecca Eldridge
San Leandro, US
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Sheets
Color: 05 - Dusty Blue, Size: Full
Have been the best sheets I've bought, would totally spend the money again. They feel soft against your skin yet keep you cool and comfortable. Easily fits my extra thick mattress, only a little wrinkles during use. They offer some wonderful colors, went with a dusty blue and am completely satisfied with richness of color.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2026
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Charlotte
Houston, US
★★★★★ 5
Exceptional quality and feel
Color: 12 - Light Beige, Size: Queen
I will be purchasing again from Bedsure. I purchased the light beige which is exactly what the color was, like a gentle note of almond to it. Perfect for my bedroom as my master bath has light beige full shower, toilet and sink. I washed them and dressed the bed. The sizing was spot on. My mattress does has a 3" Mike Lindell topper. I would suggest making sure you follow their sizing which I did not do mine just happened to fit and didn't have much to spare either because of the topper. The sheets feel wonderful to sleep on. They do feel cool on my skin and felt cool out of the package also. I do not believe you would be disappointed unless you just absolutely were in love with the sheets you are on. This set works beautifully for me and my skin loves the smooth texture of the material. I'll be a repeat buyer.
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ShelbbLC
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 3
Love BUT they STINK!!
Color: 26 - Forest Green, Size: King
I have the dark green sheets and would give them 5 stars if it weren’t for the fact that they smell absolutely horrible. I am so surprised after reading reviews that more people don’t mention it?! Maybe it’s more prominent in darker colors but I have washed these now 3 different times even with scent beads and still hate the smell. I wish I could accurately describe what it smells like— it’s just not good and for some reason, body heat only exacerbates it and makes the smell even worse and I wake up feeling like a smell like the sheets… which isn’t a good thing. Besides that, I do really enjoy them. They feel great on your skin, haven’t been pilling near the foot area (which is what makes us go through so many sheets) and I love the color. I wish the smell didn’t kill them so badly for me ☹️
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Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2026

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