North Carolina Books

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.

Laura Fleming and her husband Richard return to Laura's hometown in North Carolina to show off their 7-month-old baby and to share in the festivities for her aging Aunt Maggie who just eloped. But the elopement hid something serious. Someone has been trying to kill Big Bill Walters, Maggie's new husband. Laura has a reputation as the best amateur detective in North Carolina. Between nursing the baby and changing its diapers (and frequent sneaking away for private moments with husband Richard), Laura finds time to interview the long list of suspects that a powerful and wealthy man like Big Bob is certain to amass.

Author Toni L. P. Kelner delivers a witty and folksy story with characters that feel real and true. The list of suspects includes Big Bob's fawning son, his bitter daughter-in-law, a hermit with a mother fixation, and a police officer's girlfriend. Any of these are possibilities, but Laura suspects that there is another secret being hidden. And Laura is dogged in her pursuit of secrets. Richard's Shakespear quotes may occasionally seem just a little over the top (does anyone really go around talking like that), and frequent mystery readers will guess the killer, but the entire story is meant to be over the top--these 'flaws' only add to the charm.

WED AND BURIED is a cute and funny story.

It has been seven months since Richard and Laura have given birth to their daughter Alice but they are still basking in the afterglow and are acting like typical doting parents. Laura has no intention of leaving her Boston home and going to visit her relatives in her hometown of Byerly. However, when she gets a call saying that Aunt Margie eloped with the town's wealthiest citizen Big Bill Walters, The Flemings hightail it to Byerly as fast as they can.

When they arrive in the Carolinas, Maggie tells them that there have been three attempts made on her husband's life so they married so she can legitimately watch his back. Laura and Richard, who have solved many a murder case in Byerly, immediately tells them will find out who wants Maggie's husband dead. Over the years, Bill has made many enemies but nobody seemingly with a strong enough motive to kill him so Laura and the local police decide to bait a trap and see what they catch.

Laura has so many relatives living in Byerly that they are each taking turns watching Alice while her parents investigates a crime. Lice steals the show without saying a word. Byerly is a small southern town located in North Carolina with an ambiance of genteel civility and welcome. Toni L.P. Kelner has written another delightfully adorable amateur sleuth tale. WED AND BURIED is a quirky, quaint, and refreshing novel.

Harriet Klausner

I was at NCSU in 1983 and reading this book was like reliving that dream season. Well written and engaging!

It's hard to find a book about the Pack that is bad. It's a good read for any true Wolfpack fan --a good trip down memory lane. The picture section in the middle of the book is nicely done and a good addition to the text. Would recommend for any NC State fan!

In this book, Ash analyzes the Southern experience in areas invaded by Union troops during the Civil War. Whereas most other studies on this subject deal with a specific town or locality, Ash's book presents an inclusive synthesis that examines the commonalities of the occupation throughout the South. Three main themes direct his study of occupation. One examines how Northern policies regarding the South during occupation developed over the course of the war. Another theme appraises how three different geographical segments of the South experienced occupation (garrison towns, the Confederate frontier, and no-man's land). Finally, Ash looks at how occupation by Federal forces led to internal conflicts between Southerners of varied political, social, and economic groups.
In Ash's study, three important hallmarks of the South were its social hierarchy, its rural communalism, and its race relations. These elements worked in combination to create a unique society that Northern invaders perceived as both backward and foreign. Because of the cultural disparities between the North and the South, the arrival of Union occupying troops was a greatly feared occurrence by Southerners. However, initial Southern interactions with Union troops proved to be less volatile than was originally thought. Despite Northern attempts to remain equitable and lenient within occupied areas, Southern recalcitrance persisted. The continuation of these rebellious attitudes forced Union troops to adopt a harsher policy in their administration of the occupied South, leading to further antagonism between the Union military and Southerners. The "hard policy" of Union occupation also increased existing internal conflicts in the South, such as those between slaves and their masters, Unionists and their secessionist neighbors, and poor whites and the propertied elites. Thus, with the Union control of the South and the disruption caused by this occupation, the established elements of Southern culture (social hierarchy, rural communalism, race relations) could no longer provide a completely cohesive society.

A very interesting view of the other side of the Civil War. Ash takes the reader on a trip to the South and shows how life changed after the Union Army invaded. The book gives an overall look at the entire South, showing exactly how different regions were effected. Also includes many quotes from actual residents and cites from Southern newspapers, each giving the reader a true vision of what it was like to live there during the Civil War. A wonderful addition to a Civil War collection, especially if you are interested in the South.

The paintings by John Cody are wonderfully realistic, lively portrayals of some of our most beautiful insects. The moths are not shown pinned but in flight or real poses with real and appropriate plants and flowers. A must for any admirer of Lepidoptera!

When I first stumbled onto this impressive book in the store, I could not put it down! John Cody's paintings are masterful. They are full of the most delicate brilliant colors and light. Page after page features the loveliest images of these wonderful creatures from around the World. Attention to detail is second to none, his accurate and perceptive portrayals demonstrate an intimate knowledge of these ethereal insects in a spectacular fashion.
My brothers and I avidly collected these moths at night, in the rural North Carolina mountains. It was thrilling to see them dart around the street lamps like fiery jewels. Unfortunately, most books on this subject feature photos of pinned, faded samples. I've always felt it was a shame people couldn't experience their enchanting magic like we did. John Cody's book does that.

This book was interesting from the start. I couldn't put it down. I laughed and cried with the main character and was totally taken into the personal problems of the family and the cultural climate the story was written in. The main characters growth and struggles as a young boy touched my heart and opened my eyes to a totally different world of poverty, discrimination, and what it must have been like growing up in the South during the years before world war 2. I passed this book along to many friends who all are waiting with great anticipation for another book from this author.

I thought this was a fantastic book. The end of each chapter makes you want to read the next one. When the author writes another book, I'll be first in line to get an autographed copy.

Enjoyed reading about Flora Macdonald. Wonderful period in history and this part of it well presented. Wish the author had more books on the subject.

The author of this book does such a wonderful job.
You should buy it!