Book excerpt: Risking his own life on many occasions, John P. Parker, former slave and conductor on the Underground Railroad, helped fugitive slaves to cross the Ohio River from Kentucky and go north to freedom. In his autobiography, Parker tells his compelling story, "as a slave seeking escape and then as a free man aiding others, fighting (his) own personal war on slavery" (Jonathan Yardley, "Washington Post"). Optioned for film by TriStar for Jonathan Demme. Photos. Copyright © Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.