The exploration and survey of Cumberland Caverns in Tennessee, originally known as Higgenbotham Cave, was one of the top caving stories in the 1950s and 60s. This new edition of a 1988 book on the history of the cave from 1810 is updated with 37 new photographs. With maps, a detailed chronology, a gazeteer, and a long poem from 1880 inspired by the cave..
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Larry E. Matthews was born in LaFollette, Tennessee on August 5, 1946, about 30 miles northwest of Knoxville. Larry grew up in Nashville, Tennessee and attended Vanderbilt University (BA '68, MS '71).
Larry was always interested in rocks, fossils, and minerals, even as a small child. Therefore, it was no surprise that he majored in Geology in college. Middle Tennessee is an especially cave-rich area and Larry began exploring caves while in High School. His first book, "Descriptions of Tennessee Caves" (1971) was published as a Bulletin of the Tennessee Division of Geology and is still in print today. It describes approximately 300 caves and gives a history of saltpeter mining in Tennessee during the War of 1812 and the Civil War. This year (2011) marks 40 years that this book has been In Print.
The First Edition of "Cumberland Caverns" was published by the National Speleological Society in 1989, and describes the history of Tennessee's second longest cave. This book was updated and a Second Edition was printed by the Greyhound Press in 2005. Larry's home was severely damaged by the Great Flood that hit Nashville on May 2, 2010. All remaining copies of the Second Edition of "Cumberland Caverns" were lost. A Third Edition, including 30 new photos, 14 in Full Color, was printed in September, 2010. It is available in both Softbound and Hardbound.
Other recent, in-print books on the history of Tennessee caves include:
"Big Bone Cave", printed in 2006 by the National Speleolgocial Society, 220 pages. This major paleontological, archaeological, and historical site is a State Natural Area located near Rock Island, TN.
"Caves of Chattanooga" printed in 2007 by the National Speleological Society, 192 pages. This book describes nine (9) former and current commercial caves in the greater Chattanooga area.
"Caves of Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains", printed in 2008 by the National Speleological Society, 296 pages. This book describes fourteen (14)former and current commercial caves in the greater Knoxville area.
"Blue Spring Cave", which is the longest cave in Tennessee and the 9th longest cave in the United States, was printed in February, 2010 by the National Speleological Society. This project was a joint effort between Larry and his co-author Bill Walter. This massive book is 340 pages long and is well-illustrated with maps and photographs. Bill Walter is one of the most famous cave explorers alive in the United States today.
"Dunbar Cave: The Showplace of the South", was printed in 2011 by the National Speleological Society and is 234 pages in length. This book describes the history of Dunbar Cave from prehistoric times, when Native Americans left enigmatic drawings on its walls, through its use by early pioneers, use as a major tourist attraction during the late 1800s through World War II, and today is a favorite Tennessee State Park. Many famous Dance Bands performed here during the Big Band Era.
All of these recent books are profusely illustrated with maps, old brochures, post cards, and photographs. They are easily read by the general public, but they are also heavily foot-noted, so that researchers can go to the original sources of the historical information.
Currently, Larry is writing a book on Snail Shell Cave in Tennessee. His co-author on this project is award-winning photographer Bob Biddix. Publication is expected sometime in late 2012.
Other books by Larry E. Matthews include:
"Bibliography of Tennessee Speleology" (4th Edition), published by the Tennessee Cave Survey in 1994. (420 pages)
Bibliography of Tennessee Speleology - Update to the 4th Edition", published by the Tennessee Cave Survey in 2001. (73 pages)
"Springs of East Tennessee", published by the Tennesseee Cave Survey in 2003. (110 pages)
"Springs of Middle Tennessee", published by the Tennessee Cave Survey in 1997. (120 pages)
"Springs of West Tennessee", published by the Tennessee Cave Survey in 2004. (45 pages)
These books are more suited for the serious researcher.
Larry is also the author of numerous magazine articles.
The photo that accompanies this biography is of Larry and his granddaughter Ashtyn, taken in 2009.
