Blog Tour and Giveaway: Delaware from Railways to Freeways / First State, Second Phase by Dave Tabler

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Delaware from Railways to Freeways / First State, Second Phase by Dave Tabler
Category: Adult Non-Fiction, 110 pages
Genre: American History, Colonial
Publisher: Dave Tabler
​Publication Date: Nov 1, 2023
Content Rating: G. Suitable for all audiences.

"Delaware from Railroads to Freeways by Dave Tabler is a visually stunning book that takes readers on a captivating journey through Delaware's 19th-century history. With engaging narrative and stunning graphics that seem to leap off the page, this book provides an immersive and enthralling reading experience as Tabler chronicles the rich history of Delaware. This is his second installment of a three-part series on the history of Delaware – the First State.... For Delaware natives and enthusiasts, this is probably one of the best-illustrated background books of Delaware's 19th-century history as you can find about the First State. It is truly a captivating book." -- AuthorsReading

"Dave Tabler’s Delaware from Railways to Freeways is a fascinating history text covering important sites and artifacts from the first state. The book includes a wealth of historical and social insights into the production techniques and ultimate significance behind the early Delaware artifacts and events it covers. It makes note of the geographical importance of certain buildings and landscapes as well. Detailed images appear on each page of the book alongside brief, evocative descriptions of their meaning and significance. The result is an involving pictorial history of the evolution of Delaware, complemented by distinguishing coverage of the development of the state’s transportation infrastructure." -- Foreword Reviews

​"Tabler’s second entry in a trilogy covering the history of Delaware rides the rails into the First State’s storied past, covering the tumultuous yet prosperous 19th century and the dawn of the 20th, that era of iron, steam, Civil War, suffragettes, technical marvels, and surprises both fun—like the history of scrapple, or the suspender-and-pants rig known as a “breeches buoy” used to rescue mariners—to the morbid, like public whipping posts or the jolting tale of a child’s corpse being sent through the mail. The stories of trends, people, and material goods that Tabler highlights, in short and inviting bursts of text, are interesting and well buttressed by the copious illustrations." -- Booklife

"The contents are entertaining and varied, offering glimpses of little-known aspects of American history, from Colonial-era enmity between Whigs and Tories to inventions such as the Manby mortar, a cannon-like device used in rescuing people from sinking ships, to a bartending goose." -- Kirkus Reviews
 
"Delaware from Railways to Freeways is the second book in a series that began with Delaware Before the Railroads and whose planned conclusion is Delaware from Freeways to e-Ways. In his preface, author Dave Tabler touts the advent of the railroad, saying that it “ushered in a prosperous era for the First State” due to Delaware’s “strategic location” on the Delaware Bay. The book is mostly photographs, all of which are vibrant and compelling and include objects that would not be present in most histories of the state, such as John Jones’s adjustable peach sorter: an 1874 invention that revolutionized peach sorting. Or the crawlspace in the home of Quaker couple Daniel and Mary Corbit, in which they hid a fugitive slave in 1845. Tabler’s captions are bite-sized yet satisfying, offering readers a plethora of history without making them feel overworked. ...More a coffee-table book than a proper history, Dave Tabler’s Delaware from Railways to Freeways is a worthy read for any devotee of Delaware’s past." -- Indie Reader
 
"Delaware from Railways to Freeways offers readers a captivating journey through Delaware’s lesser-known history. It is an excellent choice for those who relish reading about unusual facts and harbor a passion for history, even if it occasionally leans toward trivia. This book provides a valuable contribution to understanding Delaware’s rich heritage." -- Literary Titan

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Book Description:

Our tiny state continues to make an oversized impact on today’s America. Explore the mind-blowing facts that give Delaware a unique place in history.

Want to know more about the historical depth of the Diamond State? Curious to learn the surprising background behind cypress shingles, Conestoga wagons, and Patty Cannon? Wondering about the origins of George Washington’s famous cherry tree story? Popular blogger and long-time Delawarean Dave Tabler relishes sharing his love of the past with hundreds of thousands of online readers. And now he’s here to celebrate the many fascinating details that make this small first state a real powerhouse.

Delaware from Railways to Freeways covers eye-opening information about the region and its residents from 1800 to 1907. Laying out a captivating journey through pictures and offering up little-known anecdotes, entertainingly educational stories, and a comprehensive deep dive, Tabler gives insightful commentary on inventions, contributors to society, and transformative technology. History lovers of all ages will immensely enjoy this trove of 19th-century lore.

In Delaware from Railways to Freeways, you’ll discover:

• The illustrator responsible for the modern-day version of Robin Hood
• Which innovative minds were behind Christmas Seals, RCA Victrola, and other cool contraptions
• How roads were built, the iron industry rose up, and breakwaters and ferries expanded
• Fun facts about the state fair, the founding of the A.M.E. Church, and a flying machine
• The Civil War & Reconstruction era, The Gilded Age & Beyond, and much, much more!

Delaware from Railways to Freeways is the perfect combination of coffee table book and reference resource and is the second volume in the Delaware History Overview series. If you like photography from the past, engrossing regional tales, and adaptive teaching tools, then you’ll adore Dave Tabler’s fresh retrospective.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N  ~ BAM
Indiebound ~ BookShop ~ BookBub
add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

Ten year old Dave Tabler decided he was going to read the ‘R’ volume from the family’s World Book Encyclopedia set over summer vacation. He never made it from beginning to end. He did, however, become interested in Norman Rockwell, rare-earth elements, and Run for the Roses.

Tabler’s father encouraged him to try his hand at taking pictures with the family camera. With visions of Rockwell dancing in his head, Tabler press-ganged his younger brother into wearing a straw hat and sitting next to a stream barefoot with a homemade fishing pole in his hand. The resulting image was terrible.

Dave Tabler went on to earn degrees in art history and photojournalism despite being told he needed a ‘Plan B.'

Fresh out of college, Tabler contributed the photography for The Illustrated History of American Civil War Relics, which taught him how to work with museum curators, collectors, and white cotton gloves. He met a man in the Shenandoah Valley who played the musical saw, a Knoxville fellow who specialized in collecting barbed wire, and Tom Dickey, brother of the man who wrote ‘Deliverance.’

In 2006 Tabler circled back to these earlier encounters with Appalachian culture as an idea for a blog. AppalachianHistory.net today reaches 375,000 readers a year.

Dave Tabler moved to Delaware in 2010 and became smitten with its rich past. He no longer copies Norman Rockwell, but his experience working with curators and collectors came in handy when he got the urge to photograph a love letter to Delaware’s early heritage. This may be the start of something.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ pinterest ~ instagram ~ goodreads

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Enter the Giveaway:

DELAWARE FROM RAILWAYS TO FREEWAYS Book Review Tour Giveaway

My Review: 

As soon as I opened the package with Delaware from Railways to Freeways: First State, Second Phase inside, it was struggle to get it back from my twelve year old son’s hands. He loves anything historical and he quickly dove in and started reading it. He greatly enjoyed it with all of the pictures and illustrations that is throughout the whole book. He would not quit talking about it.

Once I finally had the chance to read Delaware from Railways to Freeways: First State, Second Phase for myself, I understood his excitement. I found it interesting to read different customs and folklores of the times in addition to the history I have not heard of before. It was captivating to read. The author obviously did his research to bring this book to life. I thought it was great. 

Delaware from Railways to Freeways: First State, Second Phase will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for all readers who love to read non fiction that is rich in history, particularly United States of America. I believe it would make a wonderful gift for any history buff of any age. I would love to read more books like this one from Dave Tabler in the future. 

I received a paperback copy of Dave Tabler’s Delaware from Railways to Freeways: First State, Second Phase from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Spotlight Book Tour and Giveaway: Delaware from Railways to Freeways / First State, Second Phase by Dave Tabler

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Delaware from Railways to Freeways / First State, Second Phase by Dave Tabler
Category: Adult Non-Fiction, 110 pages
Genre: American History, Colonial
Publisher: Dave Tabler
​Publication Date: Nov 1, 2023
Content Rating: G. None needed. Works for all audiences.

"Delaware from Railroads to Freeways by Dave Tabler is a visually stunning book that takes readers on a captivating journey through Delaware's 19th-century history. With engaging narrative and stunning graphics that seem to leap off the page, this book provides an immersive and enthralling reading experience as Tabler chronicles the rich history of Delaware. This is his second installment of a three-part series on the history of Delaware – the First State.... For Delaware natives and enthusiasts, this is probably one of the best-illustrated background books of Delaware's 19th-century history as you can find about the First State. It is truly a captivating book." -- AuthorsReading

"Dave Tabler’s Delaware from Railways to Freeways is a fascinating history text covering important sites and artifacts from the first state. The book includes a wealth of historical and social insights into the production techniques and ultimate significance behind the early Delaware artifacts and events it covers. It makes note of the geographical importance of certain buildings and landscapes as well. Detailed images appear on each page of the book alongside brief, evocative descriptions of their meaning and significance. The result is an involving pictorial history of the evolution of Delaware, complemented by distinguishing coverage of the development of the state’s transportation infrastructure." -- Foreword Reviews

​"Tabler’s second entry in a trilogy covering the history of Delaware rides the rails into the First State’s storied past, covering the tumultuous yet prosperous 19th century and the dawn of the 20th, that era of iron, steam, Civil War, suffragettes, technical marvels, and surprises both fun—like the history of scrapple, or the suspender-and-pants rig known as a “breeches buoy” used to rescue mariners—to the morbid, like public whipping posts or the jolting tale of a child’s corpse being sent through the mail. The stories of trends, people, and material goods that Tabler highlights, in short and inviting bursts of text, are interesting and well buttressed by the copious illustrations." -- Booklife

"The contents are entertaining and varied, offering glimpses of little-known aspects of American history, from Colonial-era enmity between Whigs and Tories to inventions such as the Manby mortar, a cannon-like device used in rescuing people from sinking ships, to a bartending goose." -- Kirkus Reviews
 
"Delaware from Railways to Freeways is the second book in a series that began with Delaware Before the Railroads and whose planned conclusion is Delaware from Freeways to e-Ways. In his preface, author Dave Tabler touts the advent of the railroad, saying that it “ushered in a prosperous era for the First State” due to Delaware’s “strategic location” on the Delaware Bay. The book is mostly photographs, all of which are vibrant and compelling and include objects that would not be present in most histories of the state, such as John Jones’s adjustable peach sorter: an 1874 invention that revolutionized peach sorting. Or the crawlspace in the home of Quaker couple Daniel and Mary Corbit, in which they hid a fugitive slave in 1845. Tabler’s captions are bite-sized yet satisfying, offering readers a plethora of history without making them feel overworked. ...More a coffee-table book than a proper history, Dave Tabler’s Delaware from Railways to Freeways is a worthy read for any devotee of Delaware’s past." -- Indie Reader
 
"Delaware from Railways to Freeways offers readers a captivating journey through Delaware’s lesser-known history. It is an excellent choice for those who relish reading about unusual facts and harbor a passion for history, even if it occasionally leans toward trivia. This book provides a valuable contribution to understanding Delaware’s rich heritage." -- Literary Titan

---

Book Description:

Delaware from Railways to Freeways covers eye-opening information about the region and its residents from 1800 to 1907. Laying out a captivating journey through pictures and offering up little-known anecdotes, entertainingly educational stories, and a comprehensive deep dive, Tabler gives insightful commentary on inventions, contributors to society, and transformative technology. History lovers of all ages will immensely enjoy this trove of 19th-century lore.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N  ~ BAM
Indiebound ~ BookShop ~ BookBub
add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

Ten year old Dave Tabler decided he was going to read the ‘R’ volume from the family’s World Book Encyclopedia set over summer vacation. He never made it from beginning to end. He did, however, become interested in Norman Rockwell, rare-earth elements, and Run for the Roses.

Tabler’s father encouraged him to try his hand at taking pictures with the family camera. With visions of Rockwell dancing in his head, Tabler press-ganged his younger brother into wearing a straw hat and sitting next to a stream barefoot with a homemade fishing pole in his hand. The resulting image was terrible.

Dave Tabler went on to earn degrees in art history and photojournalism despite being told he needed a ‘Plan B.'

Fresh out of college, Tabler contributed the photography for The Illustrated History of American Civil War Relics, which taught him how to work with museum curators, collectors, and white cotton gloves. He met a man in the Shenandoah Valley who played the musical saw, a Knoxville fellow who specialized in collecting barbed wire, and Tom Dickey, brother of the man who wrote ‘Deliverance.’

In 2006 Tabler circled back to these earlier encounters with Appalachian culture as an idea for a blog. AppalachianHistory.net today reaches 375,000 readers a year.

Dave Tabler moved to Delaware in 2010 and became smitten with its rich past. He no longer copies Norman Rockwell, but his experience working with curators and collectors came in handy when he got the urge to photograph a love letter to Delaware’s early heritage. This may be the start of something.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ pinterest ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Interview: 

What is the most difficult part about writing for you?
Uncovering the emotional truth in a historical scene. When history is written without a heartbeat, it reads like a tedious list of dates, battles, and treaties that feel a world away from our own. So, my task is to dig out the human heart beating at the center of those events.

For example?

I’m working right now on the third book in my series about Delaware history, “Delaware from Freeways to E-Ways.” One of the segments deals with the first airport built in Delaware. The federal government swept through at the beginning of WWII and instructed the state to create airports in each county for defense purposes. The move required the use of eminent domain to get the airports built quickly. Now, I could have related the story in a very neutral tone and just told that reader that land was acquired, that the building began on thus and such date and completed in x number of months. I could have talked about the capacity of the airport, and what types of military uses it was put to. Instead, I focused on the impact of eminent domain on the very last family to hold out. This family had lived on that land for generations. Their ancestors were all buried nearby. This wasn’t just a parcel of land. It was their home, and they couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. Their story made the news, and so I had lots of firsthand material on how eminent domain wrecked this family’s life. But of course, they were the tip of the iceberg. In the end 50 families suffered the same fate. And that’s a story that's not often told in traditional history books.

Tell us about the process for coming up with the cover of “Delaware from Railways to Freeways”.

I worked with book cover designer Onur Burc, whom I found through Fivver. He’s based in Istanbul, and so he brings no pre-conceived notions about what Delaware is or isn’t. We worked together on my first book, “Delaware Before the Railroads.” So, a template was in place, as this is a three-book series. I wanted to carry over the type treatment, and at least several visual elements. The first book cover had a map of Delaware, a ship, and the state seal. For “Delaware from Railways to Freeways” I told Onur I wanted the state map and something to do with railways pointing to freeways. He came up with the brilliant idea of the state map as a literal portal, through which a locomotive passes. As it rolls through the opening, the train tracks below magically turn into a roadway.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I think about my 8th grade geography teacher, Mr. Jarboe, quite often. On the very first day of class, he wrote “Pizarro was a Pig Farmer!” in huge letters on the chalkboard. Rather than present Francisco Pizzaro, the mighty conqueror of the Inca empire, through a series of triumphs, Mr. Jarboe focused instead on how the man rose from humble beginnings. Pizzaro’s pig farming years happened to line up exactly with an 8th grader’s age. Mr. Jarboe, through his energized history storytelling, wanted us to understand that anyone can start from an unimpressive background and pull themselves up to greatness. He clearly loved breaking through to young minds and was always conscious of bringing his audience along with the narrative. He would stride throughout the classroom waving his arms, bouncing up and down, eyes aflame. Mr. Jarboe, though impressive, didn’t seek to impress. Mr. Jarboe, though entertaining, didn’t seek to entertain. This teacher, like all great teachers, sought to usher his listeners into a new world, to challenge them to live through that world viscerally, and to leave them forever changed by the experience.

What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

Oddly enough, my favorite authors were not initially history writers. I was, and am, hugely impacted by masters of the short story such as Chekhov, O’Henry, Saki and Maupassant. Each in their own way can pare a tale down to its essence. Every utterance in their writings has a purpose. There’s no fat, no long-winded digressions. Short story writing is akin to history writing in that, without filling page after page with minutiae, the wise writer captures the gist. I find I’m regularly presented with the challenge of creating a fully fleshed out narrative with a limited set of facts. The economical methods of the short story author, in this scenario, have served me well.

Enter the Giveaway:

DELAWARE FROM RAILWAYS TO FREEWAYS Spotlight Book Tour Giveaway