I've searched for years for just the right book that sums up my feelings for lost wilderness and finally found it with this book. I find Mr. Camuto's contrast with William Bartram's descriptions of the mountains both startling and sad. I've walked these mountains for over 30 years and in just the last 10 have I begun to realize the tragic consequences of overdevelopment and urban sprawl. Mountains and streams once largely clean and pristine now are considered off limits for fishing and drinking and I wonder why we have no love for the complexity of our natural environment. Like a Sand County Almanac, Chris Camuto has begun a modern discussion of the land ethic. An ethic our country, I fear, has so far refused to acknowledge or accept.

Another Country is a search for the soul of a land almost destroyed. Christopher Camuto writes a powerful narrative describing his exploration of the Cherokee homeland in the appalachians. He seeks communion, a connection he can sense in what is left of the natural landscape and wildness around him. It is as elusive as the dying Cherokee myths, as tangible as the arrowheads and village sites he finds. Camuto refers to the Appalacians as the Cherokee Mountains, their former nomenclature, because it is to the Cherokees they really belong. The rape and exploitation of their land parallels the rape and exploitation of their culture. Camuto's search for a wildness, that now remains only in remnants, is set in counterpoint to the reintroduction of the red wolf into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The most important clan animal of the Cherokee, it is symbolic of the differences between the Cherokee and the early Europeans. One revered its wildness and sought to preserve it. The other despised and killed it. One honored the wolf's home, seeking harmony with the land and its spirits. The other saw something untamed that must be destroyed. The author's journey begins as the wolves are being set free. Like many of the members of this first Canus Rufus release who step beyond their shrinking boundaries, Camuto confronts the vestiges of civilization at almost every turn. Set against continual references to Native-American mythology, and the history of the area, Camuto's book allows the reader to share his insight into the Cherokee view of the world. Unlike many who write about early culture, he does not attempt to steal it as his own. His statement that he is not Cherokee and thus can never totally understand, adds credibility to the objectiveness of his observations. It also demonstrates humbleness of endeavor, a bow of respect to the Cherokee nation. The book is firmly rooted in place as it combines the ethereal with the tangible landscape. Those who cherish wildness and honor those first here, will also treasure this book. In many ways , it is a sad obituary, lamenting that which was, as it examines what is left. The reintroduction of the red wolf represents one small, but hopeful, step in the restoration of that which is lost.

I've hiked and fished the Southern Highlands for years, especially the area in and around the Smoky Mt. National Park. Reading Another Country has shown me this place in a completely new light. He compares these mountains at one point to a palimpsest--a scraped-over parchment on which old texts leave faint traces. This book records Camuto's efforts to track these traces, which of course are quickly vanishing if not already gone. By giving these mountains back their ancient names, by telling stories the Cherokee told their children about their homeland, by delving into the natural and human history of the places he walks, by honoring the memories of the ones who are gone, and by contextualizing the beleaguered efforts to bring the red wolf back to its former ground, Camuto opens up layer upon layer of meaning for us who seek out the last wild places without always knowing why. An unforgettable book.

I first encountered this book at the Detroit Public Library. I quickly determined to have my own copy, and obtained one through Amazon.com. Mr. Smith and his dulcimer friends have come through with the goods! Many historical photos round out the fascinating text and interesting anecdotes from those who brought us the mountain dulcimer as we know it today. Read how the dulcimer shapes came to be, and who the early builders were. I highly recommend this book to any true mountain dulcimer enthusiast. Congratulations, Mr. Smith!

A great book! It is a good reference work on the mountain dulcimer. Mr. Smith has performed a great service to everyone interested in it. It is a trememdous history lesson on the development of the mountain dulcimer and is loaded with photographs documenting how it has changed from its roots to what it is today. It also identifies those people who were important in its development. A real historical learning experience for the novice player and, I would assume, the experienced, too. If you're interested in the dulcimer or just an Appalacian history buff, you will like this book.

Ralph Lee Smith teaches a course in dulcimer history at the annual Dulcimer Playing Workshop at Appalachian State University, of which I am the director. His presentations are invariably among the high points of the Workshop. Through him, we all keep in touch with the dulcimer's beautiful heritage in the mountains, and the people of the mountains who have handed the dulcimer down to us. This charming book contains much of the exciting information and many of the tales that he brings to us each year. For people who love the dulcimer, and people who love the mountain world even if they aren't familiar with the dulcimer, this book is a treasure. Don't miss it!

This book was a gift, but I would have bought one, and I have since given two for gifts and will not hesitate to do so again. The text was written by the legendary Earl Shaffer, who was the trail's first thru-hiker (in one season) in 1948, and repeated the feat in 1998 for the 50th anniversary of that event. The narrative is of this now famous anniversary Anniversary Trip, interspersed with some of Shaffer's poetry. Unfortunately, Shaffer died right after the book was published. Bart Smith, who is currantly behind the Katahdin Art Project, provides the wonderful color photos. To say he is talented is an understatement. His next book will be on the Florida Trail, and I cannot wait to see it. I disagree on one thing he wrote in the preface, however. Smith said, "I couldn't capture the feel of an autumn breeze, the smell of a deciduous forest ...". He is wrong. I COULD feel the autumn breeze. I could smell the deciduous forest. If this is an example of his work, he will be one of the great nature photographers of our time. I highly recommend this book. Buy it!

Earl Shaffer was an incredible spirit. This book, released in the year of his death (May 2002) is a beautiful tribute to his life. His writing is simple and straightforward. The photography is gorgeous. This book is one to be enjoyed by hikers and nonhikers alike. There's no way you can look through "Calling Me Back to the Hills" and not want to lace up your boots and take a long walk in the woods or find your way to a mountaintop somewhere. Thanks, Earl.

ATC, the Trail Conference,based in Harper's Ferry,WV, proundly claims his achievment using heavy gear,outmoted by today's standards. He used an old army-issued rucksack..& got by using less gear than..anyone else. A reclusive type,who raised bees on farm, died at Vet's Hospital in PA,May 5th,002, at age 83

This book is Linda's best. I have them all, being part of her family. She has captured the lifestyle and history of this part of West Virginia and combined it perfectly with her herbal lore. This book is just not for the hebalist but would be enjoyed by everyone.

This beautiful book is bursting with information and wonderful word pictures. I would read it without the info about herbs just for the trip back to the Appalachian mountains I love and miss. However, the information is very interesting and helpful to anyone who wants to make use of the "everyday" plants that are around us. Great book!

What a beautiful book! Rago's writing is more poetry than prose, and really captures the beauty of what must be a wonderous place. Never before have I wanted to travel to West Virginia so much! The legends she weaves are fascinating, and the recipes are fun and easy to make. Try the West Virginia Blackberry Cobbler-delicious!

If you enjoy the Appalachian culture, you'll love the FOXFIRE books. Volume No. 5 covers bear hunting, blacksmithing and gun making. If you've never read these books, it may be difficult, since the text is written in the vernacular of the mountain folk, but this adds to the charm and "character" of the books. The bear hunting stories wer entertaining, but I really enjoyed reading about Hacker Martin and Hershall House. If you want to know how life really was in the Smokey Mountains, read this book.

One of our nation's treasures is being lost one person at a time, and because of Eliot Wigginton, at least some of the treasure is being documented. The people of Appalachia have been marginalized and treated as backwoods hicks and hillbillies, only because of their poverty. That is what makes the richness of their culture all the more amazing. These people live on what an average family throws away every day. They're frugal, resourceful, and highly intelligent. This book only serves to prove it.

If you haven't spent time with hill people, your live is incomplete.

If you need info on Hacker Martin, the famous gunmaker, this is the book!

This is one of the most eloquent books for children on Appalachia that I have read. I use it in my university classes as well as state and national presentations.

This book is an accurate and informative portrait of the Southern Appalachian region. It is a book full of tales, language excursions, recipes and asides into the Native American population that first settled the region. Although intended for children, the book transcends age and place. It is a page-turner for anyone interested in cultural diversity and mesmerizing prose.

This book has so much information about Appalachia, the people and the customs. The author speaks directly to the reader and makes the reading fun!! Beautiful pictures add to the total value of the book. A class would benefit from the information contained here and any family would enjoy sharing the book together. Truly exciting!!

This is a wonderful book. I read Gilbert Morris' series 'Cheney Duvuall M.D.' and decided to give this one a try and I'm glad I did. Gilbert Morris has wonderful way of spinning plots so that sometimes you never know what's going to happen. This is only the first book in the series I suggest the rest of the books in the series as well.

Josh Spencer leaves Williamsburg after the birth of his son Jacob and the death of his wife Faith to find himself in the Appalachian Mountains. For the short time he is there alone, tragedy strikes and a Cherokee chief, Sequatchie, finds him and brings him some hope.

After Elizabeth and Patrick MacNeal were married they stayed with Elizabeth's parents, William and Anne Martin, in Boston. They had two children, Andrew who will be thirteen and Sarah who will be ten. Patrick MacNeal's dream was to own a house and have his own land for his family, his dream hasn't been able to come true yet. Then a conspiracy is put into action to take over Martin Shipping Company, which results in a broken engagement for William Martin Jr. After the conspiracy Elizabeth and Patrick decide to follow Patrick's dream by going over the Appalachian Mountains and get their own land.

They sail to Virginia and join a wagon train heading west. The leaders of the wagon train end up being Josh Spencer now called Hawk and Sequatchie. Hawk's long time friend Paul Anderson heads over the mountains with him to preach to the Cherokee. The journey is packed with broken wagon wheels, horrible storms, flooded creeks, and last but not least a renegade Indian attack. The Indian attack has some casualties, which result in broken families.

The Frontier brought them together but will God keep them apart?

This was an excellent book. You can't wait to find out what happens to all the characters. Hawk spends a good share of his life hating God because his wife died. Its sad to see someone go through life like that. The story shows how he overcomes that along with how the other characters face their problems. This book teaches valuable life lessons. Well written, great story.

I am certainly not anyone to give a book review. I am only a reader, not a writer. But the style of these two writers is exactly what I have been looking for. I have read the first two books in the series of 'Spirit of Appalachia' and I'm looking forward to the third.

The story was so captivating to me, I couldn't stand to put it down! I am sure the writers had as much fun writing these as I had reading them!

The descriptions of places and characters puts a vivid picture in one's mind, so the reader feels as though he is actually standing in the place that is being described and with the character being described. Each character has a unique personality, so the reader can decide what kind of person he is reading about immediately.

Upon completion of the first book, I began reading the second one almost immediatly. I am anxious to find out what Hawk's son is going to do now! God bless you! Keep up the good work!

In RAISING THE DEAD, Ron Rash not only raises the bar for himself but also for anyone else that chooses to write Appalachain-based verse. As in AMONG THE BELIEVERS, this poet demonstrates an uncanny ability to create rhythmic short lines (seven syllables).

Rash closes a poem as well as anyone writing today. As a result, the ghosts in these poems, of the Jocassee Valley and its aqua-burial and of the revisited ancestors and historical figures will haunt the reader beyond the pages of the book.

Finally, what sets Rash apart from many of his contemporaries is his ability to recognize and to develop valid poetic topics. There is nothing superficial, superfluous, or forced in the pages of this volume. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Raising the Dead, Ron Rash

This book, both inside and out, is a work of art, equal to and even surpassing the others Iris has done. I opened it as soon as it arrived, knowing Ron Rash and Iris and knowing that this would be a once-in-a lifetime experience, and it was--and is.
To begin with, the book is physically beautiful, the cover design an invitation, even an enticement into the poems themselves. After reading the poems, one is drawn back to the cover, realizing the profound implications of the photo. Even the colors chosen complement the content of the book.
Ron's poems are so provocative and so keenly crafted that one reading is never enough. The images are so strong that they take the reader by the throat and heart right through the experience and emotion of the poem, and then the image echoes like a song repeating and repeating itself both awake and in dreams. I will never get over "Under Jocassee" and "Whippoorwill" and "Speckled Trout" and "Brightleaf" and "At Reid Hartley's Junkyard" and ....
Ron's poems are so moving that one can read only one or two poems at a time. Almost every piece is so rich with implication and surprise that it's like reading a powerful short story, like having lightning strike right in your own backyard.
I will be using many of the poems in Raising the Dead not only in poetry workshops as examples of the BEST in contemporary poetry but also in my bereavement counseling and medical ethics group sessions.
Wow! What a treasure!
In short, this book not only enriches but deeply affects--changes--the reader's life. What more could a poet or a publisher or a reader desire?

Raising the Dead is a book I could not put down. During my second reading I began a list of favorite poems. However, I soon abandoned the idea because the list took on the appearance of the table of contents.
The underlying theme of the work is loss. Overlaid on that theme Ron Rash has wrapped astounding imagery in Appalachian family stories and folk tales to create a masterful protest of the Jocassee Reservoir.
Book arrangement is superb. Poems provide a series of knockout punches with very little breathing room between them.
Despite his daily academic environment, Rash has avoided the temptation to bury his stories and images in literary language. His ability to produce profound poetry in everyday words is reminiscent of Billy Collins.
This outstanding book must be included in the library of any poet or lover of poetry.

The book is very informative and discriptive in showing how to tie the flies as well as breaking new ground in creating interest. The author's ability to combine these unique patterns with interesting stories is a refreshing change from the standard how to books. Truly the genius of the author and those composing the book have created and made this a collectors item. Truly a brilliant piece of work!

Fantastic book interesting, informative and educational written by a legend in the world of flyfishing, Mr. Don Howell.

A fantastic book in the old tridition presented in a modern fasion. Unlike any fly tying and fly fishing book on the market today this book details the flies, art of fly tying as well as the author. It is a supurb book very helpful and informative as well as some insight about the genuine article, Don Howell a true Appalachian flyfishing legend.

Author Cynthia Rylant and illustrator Barry Moser were both reared in Appalachia, and they are completely in sync on this book. The calm, clear-eyed text and the evocative watercolor paintings balance and enhance each other beautifully.

Rylant doesn't shy away from the harder truths of Appalachian living. About coal mining, she writes, "Many [Appalachians] are coal miners because the mountains in Appalachia are full of coal which people want and if you are brave enough to travel two miles down into solid dark earth to get it, somebody will pay you money for your trouble." On the facing page from this plainspoken truth is a haunting Barry Moser watercolor of a green-clad coal miner, his eyes weary and his skin gritty with coal dust, his lunchpail resting beside him.

The beauties come through, too. Rylant writes, "Morning in these houses in Appalachia is quiet and full of light and the mountains out the window look new, like God just made them that day." Throughout the book is a sense of quiet and purpose and appreciation for a way of life most of us will never know. It's a moving and transfixing read.

Cynthia Rylant has once again captured the true spirit of the Appalachian culture. Her descriptions are right on target. Many of us, who live in this wild and wonderful country, know folks just like those she introduces to us in all of her stories. The significance of this book, for me, is to keep alive the warm, wonderful spirit of this amazing culture she so colorfully shares with readers. I'm giving this book to children and adults as well.

This book is wonderful! I read it to my class to help them understand what life was like in the Appalachian Mountains compared to their life in Chicago. My students were spell-bound, held by the wonderful descriptions and beautiful illustrations. They really understood that there are many different cultures within our nation!