“[A] thrilling biography.”—Jim Downs, Huffington Post
“Cecelski’s marvelous story of a North Carolina slave who transcended his bondage with flair provides a meaningful way to commemorate the sesquicentennial Civil War anniversaries.”—Publishers Weekly
“This portrait of an important American will appeal to those with an interest in African American political history during the Civil War and Reconstruction eras as well as those with an interest in North Carolina history.”—Library Journal
“All libraries should purchase this well-written work. . . . Highly recommended. All levels/libraries.”—CHOICE
“Beautifully crafted, exhaustively researched and well-argued. . . . Cecelski provides a clear window into the emancipation process.”—Raleigh News & Observer
“A book that will be important to people who like to read about the Civil War and those interested in the struggle for Civil Rights.”—D. G. Martin, The Mountaineer
“Cecelski has restored Galloway to his rightful place in the historiography. . . . [He] has done a remarkable job of tracing his subject’s multifarious contribution to the cause of black freedom and equality.”—American Historical Review
“We are indebted to Cecelski for challenging long-standing analytical frameworks and reconfiguring assumptions about African American participation in the Civil War.”—Journal of American History
“Much more than a biography. . . . The Fire of Freedom makes an important contribution to Civil War scholarship. . . [and] merits a place on the bookshelves of professional scholars, local history enthusiasts, and Civil War buffs because its author takes a good story and makes it matter. Cecelski joins a clear presentation. . . with deep and broad research as well as a gift for infusing historical moments with humanity and tension.”—South Carolina Historical Magazine
“Dr. Cecelski shares the story of Abraham Galloway, an important African American leader in the Civil War.”—CarolinaCoastOnline.com
