45 pages • 1 hour read
Sam Patch, the Famous Jumper
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
256
Biography • Nonfiction
United States • 1820s
2003
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Sam Patch, the Famous Jumper by Paul E. Johnson is a biography and cultural history of 19th-century American mill worker and folk hero Sam Patch. The book explores Patch's famous jumps off waterfalls in New Jersey and New York amid the environmental and social changes of the era. Major themes include class conflict, industrialization, landscape change, and the ethics of celebrity culture. The narrative delves into Patch's early life, daring jumps, and the societal impact of his stunts, concluding with his legacy as one of America's first true celebrities.
Adventurous
Mysterious
Inspirational
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
463 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Paul E. Johnson's Sam Patch, the Famous Jumper is praised for its vivid portrayal of early American culture and detailed research. Readers appreciate the engaging narrative and rich historical context. However, some find the pacing uneven and desire deeper psychological insights into Sam Patch's character. Overall, it captivates history enthusiasts and offers a unique look at an intriguing figure.
Who Should Read Sam Patch, the Famous Jumper?
A reader who enjoys Sam Patch, the Famous Jumper by Paul E. Johnson is likely captivated by American history, especially early 19th-century culture. Fans of The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson or Founding Brothers by Joseph Ellis will appreciate its rich historical narrative and biographical exploration.
463 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
256
Biography • Nonfiction
United States • 1820s
2003
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.