Customer Reviews

Encyclopedia of Appalachia

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I was priviledged to be at the Appalachian Studies conference where this mammoth work was unveiled, and it achieves it's purpose: it is a tremenous reference for all things Appalachian. I first knew about the encyclopedia when my father was contacted a few years ago to author a few articles for inclusion in the agriculture section. The editors have worked hard to find the most qualified people to write in every section- my dad grew up in Buchanan County, Virginia on a sustenance farm, and is now an agronomist who works for the University of Kentucky. Every contributor is this qualified!

One note: if you are looking for an "introduction" to the Appalachian Region, this is not it. This is more of a reference, reading this cover to cover would be somewhat comparable to reading the dictionary through, I would imagine. If you want an introduction, go for "A Handbook to Appalachia", by University of Tennessee Press, or, for a less scholarly but quite interesting take, the Foxfire series.

When I got my copy of the Encyclopedia, I was very impressed. I can't wait until I have time to sit down with it for a long while and simply browse through its pages and see how many new things I learn. As an undergraduate researcher in Appalachian Religion, I look forward especially to reading the religion section as edited by Howard Dorgan (whom I luckily had the chance to meet at the conference), the premier authority on religion in Appalachia.

For all scholars of Appalachia, this reference is invaluable.

Like Amazon's pairing, and featured on National Public Radio, The Encyclopedia of Appalachia and The United States of Appalachia: How Southern Mountaineers Brought Independence, Culture and Enlightenment to America, are two excellent and landmark books in understanding the history, cultures and social importance of the Southern Mountains to our country. The Encyclopedia is divided into several sections: land, people, economy, culture, and institutions (such as schools, media). Like any encyclopedia, the entries are short but concise, and provide just enough information to inform but not bore you and give a long list of resources for more scholarship. The experts and authors that contributed to the book come from colleges around the South and nation. Just leafing through this opus is rewarding. The richness and diversity of the region come through in every section. The United States of Appalachia is similar in its theme -- that Appalachia has been overlooked and undervalued -- but it provides more in-depth and inspiring portraits of Appalachian Americans who have been on the cutting edge of American innovations and social movements. It is divided into several parts: music, American Revolution, abolitionist movement, labor movements, literature, civil rights movement, and the environment.

Both of the these books are indispensable and highly recommended for all readers interested in history and life from one of our country's most misunderstood regions.

As a undergrad who is finishing up my studies in History with a minor in Appalachian Studies at Appalachian State-I will go on and get my master's in Appalachian & Bluegrass studies .
This is a well-written resource that is full of any information of the Appalachia's. From literature, religion, mountain music, conservation, culture, movies, Foxfire,-more than you can digest in one reading.

The author breaks each catagory down in sections that deal with a specific topic. This is a must for your library. This is a thick volume that should have been broken down into 4 volumes. the book is very bulky and heavy. I guess all the education and reading does weigh a lot!

Comprehensive tome on every aspect of life in the Appalachian region. Some 1800 pages, 30 sections. 170 articles on music alone. Appalachia is not your grandfather's mountain anymore!
If you thought the hills were about hoedowns and yee-haws, this volume will make you think again. Consider, for example, that just in the musical sphere, Jimmy Blanton, Bessie Smith, George Benson, Stanley Turrentine, Ray Brown, and Edgar Meyer were all born and raised in Appalachia.

This captures the sense of "being there", and pulls the reader into Appalachia history, like reading a good novel.

Concisely edited for maximum impact, without loss of content.(a fine balancing act by the editors, that took over a decade to compile!)

This is so engaging, tha I have bought several as gifts.

Outstanding documentation, and great storytelling abound.

Reference, coffetable, and personal library uses are a must.

I received this for christmas last year and have really enjoyed it. The pictures are great and it makes a wonderful coffee table book. No one and resist flipping thru it.

Our law firm purchased this book to help our staff understand some of our clients who were born and raised in Appalachian culture. It is proving to be very helpful in that regard.