South Carolina Books

This book, and a traveling exhibit due at Yale this fall and The Smithsonian in early next year, captures the feelings and human aspect of what happens when a family owned furniture factory is closed due to a hostile takeover. The pictures and accompaning text document from an historical and extremely personal perspective the lives of workers in a small town in North Carolina, dependant on each other and the factory, and the devastation that occurs when big city, outside forces make an impersonal decision regarding people 1000 miles away.

a reasonably balanced view of a factory closing that doesn't make the owner out to be a devil (although some former workers clearly feel that way). Shows the human side of what happens when decisions are made based on the aseptic "bottom line". If anything, the book is not hard enough on the original family, the 1st generation that admirably built the company and the second generation that let it deteriorate (the book details how the 2 family members at the top didn't even talk to one another and used separate entrances to the building! Is it any wonder the financials deteriorated and they had to sell?)

The only thing missing is an interview with the capitalist that closed the plant. If they tried and he refused the book ought to say so, otherwise it seems that at least a few pages could have been devoted to his side of the story.

All in all, though, a great book to read, as a counterbalance for all of us that invest thru our 401Ks and retirement accounts expecting great returns and divorced from how those returns are obtained (and at what cost to some people).

This book does an excellent job of demonstrating the effects of a factory closing in a small southern town. As a former resident of the town (childhood home) and a former worker in the machine room and rubbing room of White's Furniture Factory, I was amazed at the depth of analysis and truthfulness in this book. This book demonstrated how the closing of a factory not only affects the workers, but prior workers, and the entire population of the town. I was surprised to see the pictures that were included that told a story all to themselves. This book is highly recommended for college professors wishing to pursue the effects of a factory closing and other downsizing efforts on a small town's population. A great story line supplemented by outstanding pictures as the authors take the reader through the last years of a 100+ year factory that the entire town centered their lives around. Highly recommended for those interested in the effects of a closing on the local population.

A landmark book, Coastal Waters reflects the creative genius of a natural photographer in complete harmony with his world. Not since Ansel Adams's indepth studies of the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of the West has another artist been so in touch with the life and images in his daily world. Please give us more of this talented young man's work.

His best work since "Seashells of North Carolina." A talented photographic tribute to a treasured coastal area.

A "picture book" of the highest calibre. This is one of the most calming and beautiful books I've ever purchased. Mr. Taylor's hauntingly insightful photographs portray the true nature of Coastal Carolina and give the reader/viewer a true insight into the ways of life "Downeast." The Introduction and Forward are as comforting and peaceful as the photos. A book to dream through after a harried day. I'd move there in a minte if it weren't for the fact that (I'm proud to say) I already have. Heaven is truly closer here by North Carolina's "Coastal Waters."

This was one of the most wonderfully haunting books I have ever read. Its contents fascinated me to the very end, because it was a factually supported story of pirates (not a glorified fairy tale)that told me of the unshakable irrational, violent, purposeless evil that controls some bands of men, even today. When I read the book again, I'll underline the specific pasages about pirate Gibbs and follow his story through his whirlwind life of circumstances, side stories and world political chaos that caused him to lose control of is own purpose in life. His pirate companions were international psychopaths from every nation and culture, in charge of ships, viciously attacking friend and foe; losing and taking their own lives in the process. Pirate Gibb's simple hopes and dreams died as he struggled to survive among insane pirates, disease and the deadly sea. Eventually, his final minutes became his ultimate nightmare and also mine. I really liked this book.

Review by Dennis J. Russell

If you have ever dreamed of sailing the high seas, or wondered what it must have been like to be a real pirate, then you must read this book. For instance, do you know how pirates washed their clothes while they were away from port all those months, or where the term buccaneer came from? This book tells you. Do you know the difference between a schooner, sloop, and brig? A few sentences from the author sets you straight.

You will learn that the law of the era actually encouraged the killing of innocent victims; hence, the title of this marvelous book, Dead Men Tell No Tales. Pirates were not very nice guys.

Dr. Gibbs has done a masterful work of uncovering the truth behind the legend of the pirate, Charles Gibbs,whose real name was James Jeffers. As you read through this book, you will be amazed at the countless hours of research that have gone into this work. This true story was researched across many continents and countless sources of information, including questionable newspaper accounts of the day.

What emerges is a fascinating account of how the pirate Charles Gibbs (Jeffers) came to be hanged for his misdeeds. How they hanged him is quite interesting (and scary) as you will note. Dr. Gibbs traces and outlines Gibbs' fascinating career and guides us through the information that must be totally eliminated or at least taken with a high dose of skepticism.

If you are interested in pirates, then you must read this book to get the real story. If you aren't interested in pirates, then you should still read this book to get a glimpse of a unique and fascinating period of American history.

"The murderous pirate Charles Gibbs plundered his way across the Caribbean, boasting and bellowing all the way. Buy this book for every Walter Mitty daydreamer in your life."

Kilgo's use of seemingly simple words and turns of phrases paint a deep and emotional album of memories of a life well worth recalling. And in doing so, he stirs long-forgotten memories of your own life. There are MANY sentences/paragraphs/pages that are simply powerful. On more than one occassion, you will find yourself re-reading passages and connecting them to experiences of your own. The rare times that you do not find a common experience, Kilgo writes in such a way that you can't help but see the moments unfold. Much more than just "hunt club stories", this book respectfully looks at wildlife and friendship... and how the combination of those two elements made them both more substantial. If you read this book once, you will read it again and again. What a wonderful book by such a gifted author!

I have loaned this book to several of my best friends, the ones I shared the best and worst times with. This is the type of book many will relate to because it reminds us of the value of friendship and honesty. If you have a close group of friends who have seen you at your best and worst, this book will add a new wrinkle to the emotional bond between you. I have loaned out my copy of a lot of books, most I never get back. This one I always track down. It is mine.

I had this book on my shelf for a long while and finally pulled it down a few days ago. I should have done it much sooner! Jim describes experiences that awaken memories from long ago. When I lay the book down and reflect on his story there always is an afterglow.

Mr. Young has outdone himself. His book not only offers well-argued insights on the subject matter, but his prose is sharp, funny and beautifully crafted. I recommend this book not only for historians, but for anyone looking to take an adventurous ride through our nation's earliest years. Mr. Young is clearly a young historian on the rise. I eagerly await his next work.

Mr. Young has outdone himself. His book not only offers well-argued insights on the subject matter, but his prose is sharp, funny and beautifully crafted. I recommend this book not only for historians, but for anyone looking to take an adventurous ride through our nation's earliest years. Mr. Young is clearly a young historian on the rise. I eagerly await his next work.

Young has managed to combine many factors in this work. He cogently explains how costal planters could perceive themselves as paternalistic masters protecting their slaves while at the same time literally driving those slaves to death in the name of profit. Even more cleverly, he traces the spread of this paternalistic, anti-capitalist rhetoric of the planters through their growing network of commercial capitalism. A revealing read.

I've lived in Texas for 24 years and found out recently that I love South Carolina cooking. This cookbook has some real winners in it. The shrimp and artichoke casserole was a big hit at my last dinner party. My Texas friends really liked the corn\black bean salsa.

This was a well written cook book with great recipes and easy to follow instructions. I definitely recommend it. In addition, the young lady I got the book from was gorgeous.

Down By The Water is a fabulous collection of recipes complete with seasonal menus, a wine overview and a resource guide for ordering stone-ground grits and other unique ingredients. There are over 300 triple tested recipes using fresh ingredients. Featured selections are Piedmont Punch, Blueberry Pound Cake, Black Bean Lasagna, Charleston Chicken Salad and many more. Recipes include selections from area chefs as well.

The book is a durable, easily cleaned hardcover and lies flat for convenient use. Friends have mistaken this book for a coffee table book rather than a cookbook because it is so beautiful! Down By The Water is a must have!

We recommend this book to any film fan living in or visiting NC! Add another dimension to the streets you see. As an NC bookseller we have yet to find a better researched, more user-friendly or more helpful guide. Thank you both!

Great hits... near misses ... big stars... a unique look at a cool state... A few classics and new faves "One Tree Hill", "Dawson's Creek" et al... Good Stuff!

How many times have your out-of-town visitors whined: "Take us to the waterfall in The Last of the Mohicans (1997), or the train wreck in The Fugitive (1993)? Why doesn't somebody come out with a North Carolina travel guide that spotlights our Hollywood connections?

Cue the applause meter-Film Junkie's Guide to North Carolina has finally arrived. The 430-page glove-compartment-sized winner is comprehensive (160 mountain-to-sea locations!), masterfully written (a perfect mix of scholarly insight and insider gossip), and beautifully laid out in a simple reader-friendly format, full of photos, maps, sidebars, and enough movie trivia to make you want to read the book from cover to cover even if you're a stay-at-home couch potato. And bargain-priced at $16.95, even film students can afford it.

Guide is divided into three geographic areas: The Coast, Piedmont, and The Mountains. "Locations" in each area list the places where films and TV shows were shot, including great maps on how to get there. "Star Tracks" list the restaurants, stores, hotels and other places where celebrities used to hang out, or they still do.

Keep a copy of the book in the glove compartment of your car for spontaneous tourist adventures.

I knew most of the stories in the book and bought it for my GF b/c she isn't a NC native. She really enjoyed the book and now her mom is after it.

Nancy Roberts has long been a favourite of mine. This is one of the first books I can remember reading as a child and I was fascinated with the tales of ghosts and spirits roaming the countryside. Of course, growing up less than 10 miles from Maybinton and the "Hound of Goshen" site, I was incredibly intrigued with that story. Ms. Roberts always brings a wonderful viewpoint to her stories and unlike many "ghost" authors, she doesn't stop with the eerie tale, she takes you to the history of the tale. That aspect is what I think intrigued me most...combining history with ghosts. This book is sure to delight young and old alike and there is no better reading on a cool and blustery Fall day waiting in prickly anticipation of Halloween. Trust me, you'll love it!

There are ghost stories, and then there are Ghost Stories. Some ghost stories are fiction, while others are real. This book deals with those that are real. If you have even one iota of belief in the paranormal, you will be fascinated by this book. I own it along with two other of Nancy Roberts ghost books, namely, "This Haunted Land Where The Ghosts Still Roam" and "Ghosts Of The Old North State". Just to give you an example of the validity of Nancy's books, please allow me to share with you the story of the Brown Mountain Lights. These lights (which I have seen myself) can be viewed by anyone on just about any night, on Brown Mountain, which is nestled near the Pisgah National Park's main highway. The famous mountain is registered as a historical landmark in North Carolina, and at one of the look outs along the Pisgah highway there is a sign, placed there by the State of North Carolina, detailing the story behind the mysterious lights. So folks, these stories are REAL. These are not Nancy Roberts "made up" ghost stories, these are actual accounts of real ghosts. As for what the Brown Mountain Lights look like, let me say that they look like huge balls of fire. They suddenly appear on the mountain in different locales, and move slowly up the mountain, then simply disappear. They have been seen for centuries, and scientists cannot explain what they are. Years ago, Tommy Fayle (I hope I spelled his last name right) put out a song called "The Brown Mountain Lights". So this is no isolated story, this is a Legend. And this is just one of the many horrifying stories you can read about in Nancy Roberts books. The Hound Of Goshen is terrifying, and so are all the stories in her books. Ghost Of The Carolina's is a book you can read to your family or to yourself. It's a great one for Halloween, or anytime you want a good "spooky" story. Be WARNED, Nancy shares her stories in an expert manner. Heck, when it comes to terror, she could give Stephen King a run for the money. So if you're a person who gets terrified easily, you may not want to read this book. If you want to read true accounts of hauntings in the South, I challenge you to purchase this fascinating book.

William Gilmore Simms published The Golden Christmas, A Chronicle of St. John's Berkley in 1852. It is a treasure for anyone interested in antebellum Southern history and mid-nineteenth century mores and manners among the genteel class of planters who resided in Mr. Simms' native Berkley County in South Carolina. It vividly details Charleston and the Carolina Low Country plantation life of that period set against the backdrop of the Christmas season.

This tale of romance and family intrigue is narrated by one of the principal characters in a gentle humorous style. The story flows easily and the plot twists and scenes move like a Shakespearean light comedy set within Jane Austen style vignettes. There are some wonderful portrayals of holiday pursuits and pastimes: a boar hunt in which the hunters take on the personae of Sir Walter Scott-like romanticized knights is rendered in graphic and chilling detail. The arrival of Father Chrystmas and Yuletide customs unique to Southern society - inclusive of the unveiling of the decorated tree in the parlor, a custom newly introduced from Europe at the time of the book's publication- is a magical moment for characters and readers alike. We are treated to feasts and dances, fashion and courting customs rendered in delightful colloquial language and descriptions of the place and period. There are also some fascinating glimpses into Christmas celebrations among the servants and slaves of the plantation.

Mr. David Aiken provides a marvelous introduction with much historical detail and background in the book's preface whetting the reader's appetite for the tale that follows. One of my favorite books is Swallow Barn or a Sojourn in the Old Dominion about life in antebellum Virginia by John Pendleton Kennedy who was a contemporary of Mr. Simms. I found The Golden Christmas comparable in many respects to Swallow Barn and quite fell in love with Mr. Simms' charming story.

Charleston, South Carolina is my 'Soul City'. I have loved this place since I was stationed there in the Navy 40 years ago. 'The Golden Christmas' brings to life the culture and people who lived lived in Charleston and its environs prior to the War Between The States. I enjoyed the humor, wonderful descriptions, and sense of southern gentility that the author shares in this book. For anyone who loves history and especially southern history, this book will be a joy to read!

Lou Towles's THE PALMERS OF SANTEE publishes a collection of letters that originate in the time and place of Simms's novel of manners. They prove with priimary sources the accuracy of Simms's portrayal here. That this civilised world was invaded and destroyed with malice a decade later makes the loss a tragedy indeed. No longer will the historian be able to see these folks as "monsters" deserving of invasion and the terrorism that accompanied it. For that, see Aiken's other newly published edition A CITY LAID WASTE.

When one thinks of the Civil War one usually congurs images of courageous men fighting for their convictions. Dr. Revels shows us another side of this conflict--courageous women, fighting for their homes, their husbands, their families. This she does with humor (describing the Crackers) and pathos (letters written from the war front to the home). I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in History and Women's Studies.

Well written and fun to read. This may be the first history book I've read since high school and certainly the first to make me appreciate how much of history is really about pretty ordinary people.

I am a high school United States history teacher in Florida and I wanted to learn a little more about what life was like in Florida during and after the civil war. I found this book online and bought it. What a pleasant surprise! I was not expecting such a well-written, well-researched and endearing true account of the lives of these Florida women during the Civil War. Not only is it replete with first hand documentation, but it is comprehensive of all aspects of life and circumstances faced during that time. And what I didn't expect was how involved I became in the lives of these women. I was reading it primarily for research, but certain women's letters and diary entries kept popping up and it started to paint a complete picture of their life, so much so, that when I neared then end of the book and it talked about the loved ones they lost in the war, or how they themselves died... I actually grieved. I didn't realize that I was being emotionally pulled into their lives as I was taking notes and highlighting bits and pieces of information. If you are the least bit interested in Florida history, or women in the civil war (it speaks almost equally about their menfolk as well) YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED with this book. Highly recommended!