Target New ArrivalsFourth of JulyGift Ideas for DadClothing, Shoes & AccessoriesHome & DecorKitchen & DiningOutdoor Living & GardenGroceryHousehold EssentialsBabyBeautyPersonal CareSports & OutdoorsHealthWellnessLuggageSchool & Office SuppliesToys & GamesElectronicsVideo GamesMovies, Music & BooksParty SuppliesGift IdeasGift CardsPetsUlta Beauty at TargetShop by CommunityTarget OpticalDealsClearanceNew ArrivalsGift Ideas for DadBack to SchoolCollegeTop DealsTarget Circle DealsWeekly AdShop Order PickupShop Same Day DeliveryRegistryRedCardTarget CircleFind Stores
Sharpened Blade - by  Joseph J Swope (Paperback) - 1 of 1

Sharpened Blade - by Joseph J Swope (Paperback)

$19.99Save $1.96 (9% off)

In Stock

Free & easy returns

Free & easy returns

Return this item by mail or in store within 90 days for a full refund.
Eligible for registries and wish lists

About this item

Highlights

  • "Swope deftly weaves Reading, Berks County and American history around the life of this interesting African-American woman.
  • Author(s): Joseph J Swope
  • 274 Pages
  • Fiction + Literature Genres, Historical

Description



About the Book



Born an indentured servant and spending her early years on a farm, Dinah Clark had few prospects in life. Rising above her enslavement, she gained her freedom and eventually fame as an itinerant sawyer.



Book Synopsis



"Swope deftly weaves Reading, Berks County and American history around the life of this interesting African-American woman. The author successfully tiptoes between fact and fiction, bringing this memorable tale to life. Definitely a keeper!" -Paul A. Druzda, Berks County historian and author of four books on local history

Based on one woman's incredible real life.

Born an indentured servant and bound by slavery for the first twenty-one years of her life, Dinah Clark ultimately earned her freedom, married, had children, bought a house, and mastered the arduous work of a sawyer. Her profession-unusual for a woman at the time-sustained her following the early death of her husband. Her outgoing nature and skill as a woodcutter made her one of the most famous African American women in Reading, Pennsylvania, in the 19th century.

Along the way, Dinah helped build the Bethel A.M.E. Church, which served not only as her place of worship but also as a way station on the Underground Railroad. Despite living near poverty much of her life, Dinah's courage and conviction helped her break down racial and gender barriers as she staked out a full life for herself and her family.



Review Quotes




"A proud retelling of a proud black woman's incredible life." -Tracy A. Ball, International Bestselling, Interracial Romance Author

"An engrossing read. It's the way history deserves to be taught. Highly recommended." -Karen K. Brees, Amazon #1 best-selling author of the WWII Adventures of MI6 Agent Katrin Nissen series

"Swope deftly weaves Reading, Berks County and American history around the life of this interesting African-American woman. The author successfully tiptoes between fact and fiction, bringing this memorable tale to life. Definitely a keeper!" -Paul A. Druzba, Berks County historian and author of four books on local history


Dimensions (Overall): 9.0 Inches (H) x 6.0 Inches (W) x .62 Inches (D)
Weight: .82 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Number of Pages: 274
Genre: Fiction + Literature Genres
Sub-Genre: Historical
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Theme: 19th Century, General
Format: Paperback
Author: Joseph J Swope
Language: English
Street Date: February 19, 2026
TCIN: 1010793861
UPC: 9781685137076
Item Number (DPCI): 247-40-7567
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
If the item details aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 0.62 inches length x 6 inches width x 9 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.82 pounds
We regret that this item cannot be shipped to PO Boxes.
This item cannot be shipped to the following locations: American Samoa (see also separate entry under AS), Guam (see also separate entry under GU), Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico (see also separate entry under PR), United States Minor Outlying Islands, Virgin Islands, U.S., APO/FPO, Alaska, Hawaii

Return details

This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.
This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, delivered to the guest, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or picked up by the guest.
See the return policy for complete information.

Q: What is the main theme of the book?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 7 days ago
  • A: The main theme revolves around the life of Dinah Clark, an African-American woman overcoming adversity in the 19th century.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 7 days ago
    Ai generated

Q: What genre does this book belong to?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 7 days ago
  • A: This book falls under the Fiction and Literature genres, specifically Historical fiction.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 7 days ago
    Ai generated

Q: What historical context is explored in the book?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 7 days ago
  • A: The book explores the history of Reading, Berks County, and the experiences of African-Americans during the 19th century.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 7 days ago
    Ai generated

Q: Who is the author of this book?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 7 days ago
  • A: The book is authored by Joseph J Swope, who explores historical narratives.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 7 days ago
    Ai generated

Q: What is the significance of Dinah Clark's profession?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 7 days ago
  • A: Dinah Clark's profession as a sawyer was unusual for women at the time, showcasing her strength and independence.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 7 days ago
    Ai generated

Additional product information and recommendations

Discover more options

Frequently bought together

Best-selling Literary Fiction

Get top deals, latest trends, and more.

Privacy policy