North Carolina Books

Whether you are a fan of Edgar Tolson's work or of woodcarving in general, this is an essential book to have if you are interested in folk art of the 20th century. The thorough research done on Edgar Tolson is fascinating and through his art and career the world of 20th century folk art is examined. From key folk art collectors to various museums and institutions, the 20th century folk art movement was created and sold to the buying public. By the time the "important" artists were established all of the "important" early work was already in the hands of a few collectors and the museums. It's no accident that Tolson's work ended up in a prestigious Whitney Biennial and his artwork sky-rocketed in price. The same with Howard Finster. By the time his work was presented as being important to the general public, a narrow group of collectors and critics had already hoarded the first few thousand of his numbered pieces which the critics then deemed as the most important of his career. And the story continues to this day with collectors / critics buying early key works, then recommending them to the general folk art buyers. This book is perhaps the best analysis of why and how a folk artist becomes "important" in the 20th century. It may or may not sour your view on 20th century folk art but is a great read either way. As with all art or decorative objects, if you just buy what you like and ignore the critics, you'll be happy. Who's to say 10, 20 or 50 years from now if anyone will even care about "20th century folk art."

Ms. Julia S. Ardey has put together an extraordinary work -- filled with stories and pictures of a poor Kentucky man who whittled stuff to which other folks took a liking. My grandfather Edgar Tolson will always remain an elusive character both in life and in death hard to explain and to understand. As all great artists he was not one dimensional. Ms. Ardey did a fine job of grasping enough bits and pieces of his life, through the eyes and hearts of those who knew him, to give a reasonable representation of who Edgar Tolson was and why he whittled. Ms. Ardey interviewed scores of people and personalities who all have their own opinion of Edgar Tolson the Man and Edgar Tolson the Woodcarver and the times in which he lived. Ms. Ardey managed a remarkable feat in compling those interviews into an a very good work. She included many pictures that give insight into an artisan and his art. Many pictures capture Edgar's soul in his eyes -- others show a family life of just real folks who just have a Daddy that whittles in the living room and lets the shavings fall to floor. As a granddaugther of Edgar Tolson, beloved Kentucky woodcarver, I am very pleased with the work Julia S. Ardery managed to put together on his life and extraordinary talent. With a family as large as he had I am sure that this book will be debated into generations, however, it is a real good starting point at which to kick off the debate of fact or fiction. The papaw I knew was a wonderful minister; he loved his God, knew his bible and had a passion for sharing the Biblical Truths of his God with others through his work. He managed to reach the very far corners of the earth with his renditions of Adam & Eve in Garden of Eden, Their Fall, and Noah's Ark among a few--how many ministers can stake that claim. He carved what was upon his heart to carve. He was discovered by others who marketed it to a world who craved his carvings and what they represented to them. I am so pleased that Ms. Ardery managed to compile so much ! of his life and work into this book. It makes for really good reading and gives the reader the opportunity to linger with story and photo's of Edgar Tolson and his artwork long enough to gain an understanding of why so many are so drawn to it, him and living upon this earth. Thank you Ms. Ardery for a job well done.

I would highly recommend "Thirteen Miles from Suncrest" to people who like to read about life in the south in the early 1900s. Follow the main character, Medford McGee, as he grows up on a farm, his school life, his social life, and how he mingles with other people in the community. The book covers interesting historical happenings in that era and a young boys reactions to the events. This book is for people who likes to watch television programs such as The Waltons. I found the ending a tragic surprise, but I still found the book charming and heartwarming and deeply suggest the reading of the novel, "Thirteen Miles from Suncrest" for its gentle warmth.

I like novels whose characters remind me of aunts and uncles I remember from my days growing up on the farm and this novel is full of them. The setting is Appalachia during the early days of the twentieth century. Davis is especially good at creating characters you come to care about. This is a great read for those who enjoy stories from the early 1900's and who enjoy rich characterization.

A. A. Hoehlingýs Thunder at Hampton Roads tells the story of the U.S.S. Monitor, the worldýs first all-iron fighting ship. The book covers the entire story of this famous vessel, detailing the construction of the vessel, the battle between it and the C.S.S. Merrimack, and its rediscovery in the mid-1970ýs. The Monitor changed the image of the navy forever, ridding people of their notion of ships built of oak and canvas and replacing it with pictures closer to those invoked by the navy of today: ones of invincible metal and guns.

The book begins with an account of the construction of the Monitor. Northern and Southern forces were racing for naval supremacy throughout the war, and ironclads were among the most important technology being developed. The Monitor was specifically designed to combat the seemingly indestructible Southern Merrimack. A Swede named John Ericcson conceived of the idea for the North. Though similar in design to the other ship, which had already been proven in battle, the Monitor's development was viewed with some skepticism; many people thought it would never float, much less act as a battle-ready warship. They were proved wrong, as the Monitor was proved as worthy as its Confederate opponent.

The second section of the book details the Monitorýs encounter with the Southern ironclad Merrimack, and its sinkage off the coast of Cape Hatteras. The battle came in defense of a seaport called Hampton Roads. Both ships took substantial damage. The Monitor came away victorious, though the Merrimack did escape. Many people believed that the ironclad was the only thing that came between Hampton Roads and a complete ransacking by the Confederate Navy. The loss of the Monitor was an unfortunate incident. The ironclad was being towed by another ship, the Rhode Island, to Wilmington North Carolina, where it was indeed to take part in capturing the city. When the crew discovered that their ship was failing, they cut loose from the Rhode island so as to avoid bringing the other ship down with the Monitor. Luckily, most of the crew was able to escape via lifeboat. Sadly, fifteen crewmen, including the captain, went down with her.

The third section of the book details the post-war lives of those who were involved with the Monitor, and tells of its rediscovery in the 1970ýs. Many of the Monitorýs crewmen lived peacefully after the sinking, but one could not. Samuel Dana Greene, an executive officer on the Monitor whom many thought should have chased the Southern Merrimack until he had captured or destroyed it, killed himself. Supposedly he was consumed with guilt that was fed by the accusations over the fact that the Merrimack escaped to do further damage in the war. Only after his death was the matter cleared up by a superior officer who announced that the Monitor had sustained too much damage for it to follow the enemy ship.

The Monitor was discovered and photographed by a team of marine scientists twelve miles off Cape Hatteras where it had sunk to more than a century previously. Salvaging operations funded by the National Science Foundation and National Geographic were successful. Technological advances such as that of sonar greatly aided those who were devoted to discovering the Monitor. Restoration work was taking place when the book was published in the late 1970ýs

A. A. Hoehling used diaries, letters, shipsý logs, and newspaper articles to put together the story of the Monitor. He was directly involved with the salvage work on the vessel, which explains his desire to let the public know about this fascinating ship. It was his belief that the Monitor played a significant role in the Civil War and in the development of the navy, a point that he convinces the reader of throughout the book.

I believe that this book would be perfect for research on any aspect of the Merrimack or the Monitor. Through text and photos of the Monitor as it was when built and as it appeared sunken beneath the sea, the author tells the shipýs complete story. This is a valuable source for anyone researching naval forces during the civil war, not only the battles but also the inner workings of the Navy and its chain of command.

Still the best book on the history of the USS Monitor. Hoeling is both an excellent researcher and a first-rate writer. I am very pleased this book is back in print. Naval historians should rejoice!

As a novice Civil War Buff and North Carolina Historian, I found the book very comprehensive in its coverage of this interesting facet of Civil War, Reconstruction, and North Carolina history. Click focuses on a group of slave refugees set up in a freedmen's colony by Northern evangelists and Union military personnel and their struggle to survive in a post-slavery world. The book's rich detail is further strengthened by its ease of read and overall interestingness making it a true gem for someone researching or just looking for a good read.

Even though I am a self-taught researcher of local and NC history and genealogies, I had not heard of this publication until I saw the author on PBS TV. I ordered the book from ... and am still in the process of reading it. It seems well documented and contains information I was not aware of until I read this book. I have helped two different African-American individuals research their families and so this subject was of interest to me. I recently was in court as a juror and was approached by a bystander who heard me describe my "line of work." I told her of this book and how she could obtain a copy. She said she would like to add this publication to her personal library of publications on Black Research. I purchased this book for our local historical/genealogical library so that it could be used by everyone doing black research. I ony live about 60 miles as the crow flies from Roanoke Island and had never heard of this Freedmen's Colony until now.

The words that Mr. McFee puts with those beautiful photos brought tears to my eyes. This is his best work since Sad Girl Sitting on a Running Board. Mr. McFee is a gifted poet.

Please buy my dad's book so that I can go to college

A great anthology of Archie Green's writings, this book provides a record of excellent writing with insights into why the writer integrates scholarship with effective activism. The range of Green's interests includes topics as diverse as occupational practices, etymology, and country music. He writes with fascinating insights concerning all his interests, and the articles and essays stimulate one's curiousity about related topics. Among the finest contributions to this volume are those that pertain to public folklore. Green provides conscientious and inspiring rationales for the essential need to initiate and coordinate programming that returns folklore research to the public. Robert Cantwell's introduction provides a fine context for stitching together the various threads that connect Green's interests in folklore.

This eloquent and deeply engaged collection of Green's essays (some previously printed)covers topics ranging from the expressive nature of labor lore and the intersections between ethnicity and labor, to folk music and cowboy culture and the words-often implicated in cultural politics--used to describe them, to the archival detective work necessary to illuminating such strands of culture. Green's work in these articles is etymological and historical, tracing the development and current use of a term, idea, or practice. This is a book that is an essential read for any professional folklorist, be she "academic," "public," or "applied," as it is a primer for committed fieldwork and arts advocacy. Green himself has long advocated for public programming that is culturally equitable, and his knowledge of public sector work and his contributions to it helped pave the way for National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities support for vernacular arts. This book is a testament to the variety and art of people he has long championed.

I enjoy historical narratives about turn of the century logging in West Virginia. Many texts cover the economic aspects of logging in terms of the timber processed. Other books detail the milling process or the lifestyle of the lumberjack in the WV wilderness. However, this is the first book I have encountered that describes the social ramifications of the logging industry in defining the WV culture. Ronald Lewis has opened up new discussions of how early steam technology impacted the remote lifestyles of West Virginia. This book gives a fresh viewpoint that is needed in re-evaluating the romanticized description of Appalachian lumbering in the last century.

The subtitle to this book is "Railroads, Deforestation, and Social Change in West Virginia 1880 - 1920." The principle reason for the deeply-embedded poverty in Central Appalachia is the fact that the region continues to be a colony of industrial powers. Beginning in the mid-19th century, iron, coal, railroad, and timber companies teamed with national, state, and local politicians to exploit the natural resources -- coal and timber -- and the people of Central Appalachia. The result was devastation of a culture, destruction of a people, and destruction of the environment. And, I am incorrect to use the past tense -- clear-cutting of forests continues and "mountain-top removal" mining continue to destroy the culture, communities, and landscape of Central Appalachia. Lewis' book is an excellent description of what happens when politicians and industrial leaders join in league to exploit a region.

Note that this book deals with events of 1880 - 1920 -- so why is it important today? Because what was done to Central Appalachia in that period is being done to the rest of us today under the guise of "economic globalization." For example, the people of McDowell County, WV, are powerless in the face of Norfolk Southern (railroad company) because NS owns 85 percent of the land in the county. Just exactly what do you think will happen when "global" corporations own the factories, the minerals, and the workers? The experience of Appalachia with industrial and political exploitation is the same experience that awaits all of us under "economic globalization."

Philippine-American Military History, 1902-1942: An Annotated Bibliography; [[The U. S. Army and Counterinsurgency in the Philippines, 1899-1902]]

Note that Brian McAlister Lynn is one of the finest and most knowledgeable military historians today in the United States with regard to the history of Philippine-U. S. relations as it relates to the military. His knowledge is far more extensive than most in both the macro and the micro and he takes his study of multiple facets of the military history of both countries as they pertain their full complements of developments, very seriously. Meticulously documented.

"The U.S. Army and Counterinsurgency in the Philippine War, 1899-1902," by Brian McAllister Linn, is a superb contribution to military history. In the book's opening chapter, Linn vividly sketches out the complex environment faced by the U.S. Army as it began its occupation of the Philippines after Spain's defeat. Linn discusses the different sociopolitical factions in Philippine society, the ethnic divisions, the revolutionary Katipunan society, religious rebel groups, and bandit gangs. He also begins to create his picture of the structure of the guerrilla forces faced by the U.S. troops.

As the book progresses, Linn looks at the shape of both the insurgency and U.S. counterinsurgency activity in different parts of the Philippines. He covers many important topics: the insurgent infrastructure that supported the anti-U.S. guerrillas, the impact of terrain on U.S. operations, how disease affected U.S. troops, the use of terrorism by insurgent forces, the U.S. Army's use of native Filipino auxiliary forces, and American efforts in the areas of civil government and public works. He emphasizes the role of military intelligence in the conflict, and offers intriguing analysis of the leadership on both sides of the war. Along the way he introduces us to some truly remarkable personalities, both Filipino and American.

Linn's book is meticulously documented. The main text (pages 1-170) is followed by extensive endnotes (171-234) and a substantial bibliography (235-47). The bibliography cites a rich diversity of source material, including manuscript collections, letters, diaries, veterans' questionnaires, books, dissertations, and government publications. The text is further enhanced by an index, six illuminating maps, and eight pages of black-and-white photographs depicting people on both sides of the conflict. The book is written in a clear, logical manner; Linn emphasizes facts and incorporates quotes from primary sources into his text. He successfully maintains a tone of scholarly impartiality, even when discussing potentially sensational and controversial material.

In his preface, Linn notes that it is the "diversity, both in the Filipino resistance and the American response, that makes the Philippine War so fascinating." As I read this masterful work of history, I was struck, over and over again, by what I saw as parallels between the Philippine War and the contemporary Iraq War. Indeed, I consider this book essential reading for those who wish to learn more about issues in military occupation, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare.

I broke my own heart by moving away from the old grandmotherish mountains. But David Yates' Valle Crucis brought it back to me in the Northwest by portraying that mountain community so gorgeously. This is a photographic love story written to Western North Carolina, and also to East Tennesseans (I was one all my life). This book works as a coffee table book, and should be more vastly promoted so that the rest of the world can see what I have always known: Appalachia is the most beautiful region on earth.

We have visited the places written and photographed for this book. The photos are so vivid and realistic. We came across this book in a general store and sat in the rockers enjoying every page.

This is such a useful book it compells a statement. If you visit the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area or North Carolina, or if you live there, this book is an extraordinary guide, written with a sensitivity to place, attractions, events, history, excitement of being there, which makes it a stimulating guide. I have passed places often, but only after I read about them in this book did I see them and experience them. She's done a first-rate job of writing about and explaining an area many people think they already know, but will now realize there is more to learn. Thanks.

"Walking Raleigh/Durham" by Rebecca C Mann is a "must buy as a Christmas present" for friends or family currently living in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill region. As a former Durham resident, I would have loved to have possessed the history, culture, geography and walking oppotunities supplied by Mann's little book. The maps are clear and well drawn and include specific distances and safety considerations. The local architecture and lore are fun and enlightening, and it all fits into a coat pocket with ease. While I intend to send copies to Durham and Chapel Hill friends who walk for exercise, I'm also sending my 65+ year old parents a copy. With descriptions of museums, parks, and historic sites one passes on different walks, it will give my parents something to do after they've watched poor Carolina lose yet another football game. If you need to give a UNC-CH, NC STate, Duke, or Peace College bound student a high school graduation present they'll really appreciate, this book would be it. Better yet, buy it for their parents, who are much more likely to use it during campus visits to their offspring than are the students themselves, since the latter spend most of their time searching for on campus parking spaces. On my next visit to the Triangle, I'm taking "Walking Raleigh/Durham" along.