"The most interesting part of the book is the way Webber traces the seeds of ideas, the sources and connections as they are repeated through the years. Engaging." -- Kirkus Reviews "A luminous portrait. Mr. Webber's vivid account resurrects this astonishing figure, conveying all that he endured and achieved during America's longest, most harrowing trial." -- Praise for American to the Backbone - The Wall Street Journal "A thought-provoking foreword and intelligent epilogue bookend this examination of the stirring power of the spoken word." -- American Way "Pennington's story is a remarkable one, illuminated by Webber's meticulous research." -- Booklist "Looks to reignite the debate on the meanings of freedom and liberty by telling the stories of speeches throughout American history that address these notions. Will interest those seeking an introduction to American oratorical history or the changing meaning of liberty in American history." -- Library Journal "Spirited. Webber provides instructive biographical information and to-the-point historical context." -- Publishers Weekly "A richly detailed, wide-ranging biography. Webber has produced an important book as well as insight in to the pre-Civil War free-black subculture." -- Kirkus Reviews "A perceptive analysis of speeches by noted men and women." -- The Oklahoman