The Last Chivaree: The Hicks Family of Beech Mountain [Hardcover]

Robert Isbell (Author), Wilma Dykeman (Introduction)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In this intriguing study of the Hicks family of Beech Mountain, journalist Isbell provides excellent insight into the lives of the people who live in the Appalachian Mountains. The story began 30 years ago when Isbell visited the area and took a picture of the "Last Banjoist." Later he returned to give the banjoist the picture, but the man had died. Isbell learned about him from Ray Hicks, through whose eyes we see life on Beech Mountain. Hicks's family arrived in the late 18th century, but Isbell focuses mostly on Ray and his immediate family. Their life was hard, meager, and desolate but filled with hope and joy. Although Hicks never made much money, he lived a rich, full life as he carried on the family traditions of storyteller and balladeer. Isbell does not alter the spelling or structure of the local language, and his book reads like a tale with real characters. One of many pleasant surprises is the inclusion of the people's tales and ballads, including the history of the Kingston Trio hit "Tom Dooley." Recommended for scholars in the field as well as general readers.
Richard P. Hedlund, Ashland Community Coll., Ky.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 174 pages
• Publisher: Univ of North Carolina Pr (May 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807822663
• ISBN-13: 978-0807822661
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,789,763 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Look into hardship and come away uplifted and humbled., November 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Last Chivaree: The Hicks Family of Beech Mountain (Hardcover)

As a lover of the NC mountains, this book speaks of people and places of my childhood. The story of this family is one of music, heritage, honor, humor and heartache. The isolation of the rugged mountains in the early part of this century makes me, who sometimes longs for a simpler way of life, want to experience it, but at the same time, I am humbled that I would probably never survive it. Having sat on Mr. Hick's porch as a child, and listened to his Jack Tales, I have a new admiration for him and his family. If I ever have the nerve to complain about my circumstances, I always think of this story and count my blessings. Not for those who want to pity those with fewer possessions or dollars than the average US family, for these people possess much more than so many of us!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the last chivaree, December 29, 2005

By 

Phyllis Tait (Pleasanton, California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Last Chivaree: The Hicks Family of Beech Mountain (Hardcover)

This book reminds me of Laura Ingalls Wilder, specifically "Little House in the Big Woods". It takes place more recently, but has a lot of that feeling of pioneering and making a living from scratch. It has so much detail that the time and place came alive for me. The story would be of special interest to folk music fans, herbalists and botanists.