Mountain Fever [Hardcover]

Tom Alexander Sr. (Author), Tom Alexander (Editor), Jane Alexander (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1995

Mountain Fever chronicles one man's love affair with a region, its unique and vanishing human culture, and its verdant natural history. Spanning the 1920s through the 1960s, it recounts Tom Alexander's early adventures as a government ranger and forester in Western North Carolina, where he dealt with arsonists, poachers, and bitter winter storms, plus his own experience as a stockman in battles with government authorities over sheep- and cattle-killing bears.

From his many years in the backcountry as a hunter, fisherman, hiker, and pack tripper, Tom distills firsthand observations of wildlife, geography, and mountain sociology.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"[N]o one who delights in the outdoors and visits Cataloochee can come away without an appreciation for the serenity and natural beauty that lured Tom Alexander, Sr. to spend his life there and write so movingly about his experiences." --Joe A. Mobley, North Carolina Historical Review

"Illustrations for the book combine some of the best photographers of Western North Carolina and the Alexander family. These photographs, including the classic images made by George Masa, make the book a delight. This well-designed little volume is quite charming. Mountain Fever is valuable as a supporting source for anyone reading about the complex history of the Southern Appalachians in the twentieth century." --Philip P. Banks, North Carolina Libraries

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Bright Mountain Books; First Edition edition (November 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0914875264
• ISBN-13: 978-0914875260
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 6.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,808,471 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful history, and amazing story, September 28, 2011

By 

Betty M. Williams "VTTarheel" (Vermont) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Mountain Fever (Hardcover)

As a native North Carolinian, I love our mountains and stories about them. Hard to believe that even such pioneering peoples the Alexanders had the courage and strength to follow their dreams in the midst of the depression in the 30's, and have continued to live and share their dream even to this day. I discovered this place and the book about it by chance. I found a small little book called "Cataloohee Cooking" which had a brief history of the ranch. I wanted to know more about it and whether it was still in existance today, which led me to "Mountain Fever." I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the Alexander family and intend to visit the ranch on my next trip to western North Carolina.

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely place, lovely people, June 3, 2007

By 

DD - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mountain Fever (Hardcover)

I never knew Tom Alexander, but met Miss Judy before her death. Even late in life her eyes did sparkle like diamonds. Her family still owns and runs Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley, NC. and you couldn't ask for a finer place or people. If you love the mountains you will identify with the sentiments of this book and get to know the real people behind the ranch. I came to Cataloochee Ranch in 1995 for the first time and left my heart there. I have finally moved to the area after 12 years of dreaming. I have come home.