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.

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.

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

- Sam Patch became a celebrated figure in the early 19th century for his daring jumps from waterfalls and other high platforms, making him one of America's first professional daredevils.
- Paul E. Johnson’s book, Sam Patch, the Famous Jumper, explores not just Patch’s leaps, but also the social and economic transformations of the United States during his life.
- Although Sam Patch's feats were a form of entertainment, they also commented on industrialization and the human spirit's ability to confront and transcend natural and societal boundaries.

**Paul E. Johnson**  
Paul E. Johnson is a historian and the author of the book, focusing on figures and social movements in 19th-century American history, particularly charismatic individuals like Sam Patch.

**Sam Patch**  
Sam Patch is known for his daring waterfall jumps and is recognized as a charismatic figure. His jumps are framed as artistic expressions, and he was perceived differently by various political factions of the time.

**Greenleaf Patch**  
Mayo Greenleaf Patch, Sam's father, is depicted as a strategic and financially unstable figure who maneuvers through the social and economic constraints of 19th-century America, impacting Sam's early life.

**Timothy Crane**  
Timothy Crane was a builder and sawmill owner who created the Forest Garden, a park that excluded working-class locals. He is depicted as opposing Sam Patch and representing industrialist interests.

**Colonel William Leete Stone**  
Colonel William Leete Stone was a New York City newspaper editor who admired nature's aesthetics and opposed figures like Sam Patch, using his newspaper to critique the working-class culture.

**Sam Drake**  
Sam Drake was a prominent member of the Rochester Band who supported Sam Patch and was known for his involvement in bold and theatrical sporting man culture, which helped define the era's social subcultures.

Paul E. Johnson

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Preface-Chapter 1

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Chapter 4 Sam Patch, the Famous Jumper Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 5 Sam Patch, the Famous Jumper Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

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