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Purt Nigh Gone: The Old Mountain Ways

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Purt Nigh Gone: The Old Mountain Ways

For those of us who grew up in the Appalachian South and remember the speech, food, customs, strength of character, and faith of true mountaineers, this book is a gem. It naturally focuses a good deal on the area of Georgia where Miller was raised, as it is the part he knows and loves best. The chapters in the book include: In the Beginning - a look at the unique geology, ecology, and settlement of the region; The Cherokees - the native Americans who loved the area before we did; Gold in the Hills - chronicles an often distorted chapter in the area's history; The Way Life Was - anyone who has never lived without access to modern conveniences and what many consider basic necessities (even well into the 20th century) can not truly understand; Making Shine - dispels a few myths about whiskey makers and individual liberty; Mountain Food - creative use of ingredients and use of local items long before it became the culinary sensation it is today; Disapearing Dialect - interesting for those who believe our colorful language is born of ignorance or lack of education; Old-Time Religion - faith has always been integral to Appalachian life, this chapter shows the influence of many denominations; Mountain Music - showcases some of the amazing talents the region has produced; Mountain Humor - discusses the need for humor in a harsh life, the characteristics that make mountain humor unique, and some funny stories; Whose Mountains? - this one is especially interesting, given the love of individual liberty of mountaineers, accepting a balance of control and liberty is hard! And given the more recent predations of real estate developers, very timely. The Appendix of 101 Reasons Why I Live in Appalachia will resonate with anyone who loves the region. For those who did not know the region or its inhabitants until recently, this is a must-read to understand those born to the area. Unfortunately, it may also encourage more "move-ins"- further diluting this amazingly rich culture that truly is 'purt nigh gone". This book, along with Cleo Hicks Williams' Gratitude For Shoes: Growing Up Poor In The Smokies, and some of the resources Miller cites in his book, including Horace Kephart's Our Southern Highlanders: A Narrative of Adventure in the Southern Appalachians and a Study of Life Among the Mountaineers, provide insight into the true mountaineer's world, his place in the larger world, and his character. Zell Miller's lovingly told tale is recommended for anyone who wants to know more about the Appalachian region and its people.

Excellent book, Zell has hit the nail on the head, lots of very interesting information.

Zell Miller is an engaging writer, and leads the reader right into the history of the Appalachian region with perspective and compassion. A native of Young Harris, GA, Miller walks the walk, talks the talk, and has served with distinction in the Georgia legislature, as governor, and as a Senator Washington. A wonderful book to sit down with, written by an extraordinary man with deep roots and a great heart.

I went to school in North Georgia so I could identify with the Subject. I have always felt guilty about the way the Native Americans were treated by the early imigrants who moveed in and displaced the Indians. Governor Miller paints a good word picture of how many of theses changes came about. I like his style of writing