This autobiography follows United States Senator Robert C. Byrd’s experiences from his boyhood in the early 1920s to his election in 2000, which won him an unprecedented eighth term in the Senate. Along the way, Senator Byrd offers commentary on national and international events that occurred throughout his long life in public service. Senator Byrd’s journey from the hardscrabble coalfields to the marbled halls of Congress has inspired generations of people in West Virginia and throughout the nation. From reading the stories of the Founding Fathers as a young boy by the light of a kerosene lamp to the swearing of an oath for more than a half-century to guard the United States Constitution, Senator Byrd’s life is legendary. Byrd always stands by his principles, earning the affection of the people of his home state and the respect of Americans from all walks of life. With his beloved Erma ever by his side, Robert C. Byrd has never forgotten his roots, harkening back to those early lessons that he learned as a child of the Appalachian coalfields.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
"Isn't this the true American story for this century? A complete turnabout in one's life raised in Crabtree, West Virginia in an environment of racism. This story is a complete compilation of someone overcoming that old battle of nature vs. nurture."
Ryan Swanek
"For those who want a personal and in-depth account of the senator's life and career, this book is essential reading."
Goldenseal
Book Description
United States Senator Robert C. Byrd’s autobiography, Child of the Appalachian Coalfields follows Senator Byrd’s experiences from his boyhood in the early 1920s to his election in 2000, which won him an unprecedented eighth term in the Senate. Along the way, Senator Byrd offers commentary on national and international events that occurred throughout his long life in public service. Senator Byrd’s journey from the hardscrabble coalfields to the marbled halls of Congress has inspired generations of people in West Virginia and throughout the nation. From reading the stories of the Founding Fathers as a young boy by the light of a kerosene lamp to the swearing of an oath for more than a half-century to guard the United States Constitution, Senator Byrd’s life is legendary. Byrd always stands by his principles, earning the affection of the people of his home state and the respect of Americans from all walks of life. With his beloved Erma ever by his side, Robert C. Byrd has never forgotten his roots, harkening back to those early lessons that he learned as a Child of the Appalachian Coalfields.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
30 of 31 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I was a little hesitant to buy a biography of over 800 pages. However, I was quite surprised by the content and layout. Although the book is divided into chapters dealing with specific areas of Senator Byrd's life, the narrative is more along the lines of storytelling. I have enjoyed the fact that the format is in small little stories; a motivator to complete a book of this size.
This is an enjoyable, well written book. Although I am originally from West Virginia and thus hold a stronger interest for Senator Byrd, I believe that many will enjoy learning about one of our country's most interesting Senators. Yes, this book does confront the fact that Senator Byrd was in the KKK, unlike what is said in other reviews.
This is an enjoyable, well written book. Although I am originally from West Virginia and thus hold a stronger interest for Senator Byrd, I believe that many will enjoy learning about one of our country's most interesting Senators. Yes, this book does confront the fact that Senator Byrd was in the KKK, unlike what is said in other reviews.
24 of 26 people found the following review helpful
By M. A. Foote
Format:Hardcover
Sent this book to my 89 year old dad who knows Mr. Byrd and who also ran several coal mines in the 50's. So much of the book is true to every detail - this book tells of a time of hard work, good people, company ownership of it's employees, labor unions, and of times that only few know. It is a very pure piece of American History.
29 of 36 people found the following review helpful
By J. Donovan
Format:Hardcover
Child of the Appalachian Coalfields is a fine book. Robert C. Byrd has had a long and distinguished career, and it's very good that he could tell his story himself, before time marches on. This will be an important legacy for future historians -- don't we wish we had a similar tome from Henry Clay? Some in the national news media have been highly critical of Byrd, but they don't understand him and they don't understand West Virginia. This book, if read in the right quarters, would help explain both to those outside the state whose impressions are faulty.
26 of 33 people found the following review helpful
By Ryan Thomas
Format:Hardcover
Isn't this the true American story for this century? A complete turnabout in one's life, someone raised in Crabtree, West Virginia in an environment of racism. This story is a complete compilation of someone overcoming that old battle of nature vs. nurture. Senator Byrd's redemption has been proved time and time again in his recent years of the senate. His has become the Liberal Lion of the United States Senate, now one of the strongest defenders of Affirmative Action, Abortion Rights, Equal Opportunity for Women, The rights of the State of Israel, etc. So to belittle this man because of an indiscretion in his past is to really have your blinders on and to see what you want to see. Overlooking this man's enormous accomplishments is a sad acquiescence. As a Jewish man, I have total respect, admiration and faith in this Senator. I wonder, what do people want? Would they rather he have kept his old ideals? Another Trent Lott or Haley Barbour? No, this man has apologized, told his story, and has redeemed himself. His actions speak louder than any words or letters from the past. This man is a true American Story. We should all be in admiration of his service to this country.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By V. L. Wilson
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
An autobiography this book surely is. all 770 pages! I read it with great interest from beginning to end, tho it is a heavy book and could have been shortened considerably.
Senator Byrd published this memoir in 2005 at the age of 87. As a West Virginia senator in Washington, DC. for more than 50 years, he is well qualified to inform us of the workings of government. He manages to convey the story of his entire life and career, as he witnessed and helped shaped American history.
The book is very readable and filled with opinions on most all subjects. Several pictures are appreciated as the reader digests 87 years in the making of a fine gentlemen who, as an orator, a historian, a debator, and a patriotic American, as well as a proud West Virginian, is respected and who inspires us to reach out and make a difference in our corner of the world.
Of course, if you are from the beautiful state of West Virginia, or know someone who is, or have relatives there, or live in neighboring states, or if you, like me, just enjoy learning how our legislative branch has evolved, especially the past half century, you'll enjoy this book also. You may want to visit the
state aptly nicknamed "Mountain Mama" and drive on the highways Senator Byrd helped fund, see the schools and industries named after him, and the bridges, tourist attractions, etc. etc. with his stamp of approval. If it were not for him, a native son who was raised near the coal mines, attended a two room schoolhouse, and worked his way up from a butcher to a senator who "delivered" to his state, we would not be appreciating the wonders of West Virginia, as John Denver portrays in his song "Country Roads".
I was impressed with Senator Byrd's insights.... Read more ›
Senator Byrd published this memoir in 2005 at the age of 87. As a West Virginia senator in Washington, DC. for more than 50 years, he is well qualified to inform us of the workings of government. He manages to convey the story of his entire life and career, as he witnessed and helped shaped American history.
The book is very readable and filled with opinions on most all subjects. Several pictures are appreciated as the reader digests 87 years in the making of a fine gentlemen who, as an orator, a historian, a debator, and a patriotic American, as well as a proud West Virginian, is respected and who inspires us to reach out and make a difference in our corner of the world.
Of course, if you are from the beautiful state of West Virginia, or know someone who is, or have relatives there, or live in neighboring states, or if you, like me, just enjoy learning how our legislative branch has evolved, especially the past half century, you'll enjoy this book also. You may want to visit the
state aptly nicknamed "Mountain Mama" and drive on the highways Senator Byrd helped fund, see the schools and industries named after him, and the bridges, tourist attractions, etc. etc. with his stamp of approval. If it were not for him, a native son who was raised near the coal mines, attended a two room schoolhouse, and worked his way up from a butcher to a senator who "delivered" to his state, we would not be appreciating the wonders of West Virginia, as John Denver portrays in his song "Country Roads".
I was impressed with Senator Byrd's insights.... Read more ›
18 of 24 people found the following review helpful
By H. Vavrek
Format:Hardcover
Without Robert C. Byrd, West Virginia would not be what it is today. That may be a weird statement, seeing it isn't much now, but it would be nothing. Senator Byrd lobbied hard to get funding for a state the nation forgot about. Robert C. Byrd helped propel West Virginia into a state now gaining national recognition (President Bush likes it for a 4th of July stop). Like him or hate him, you got to respect the man.
By Roger
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I enjoyed reading about the life of WV's Senator Byrd, who helped so many people in West Virginia, including myself. Its nice to read about an average person being able to reach high office and not have to be a millionare.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Robert C. Byrd: Child of the Appalachian Coalfields
Initially, I purchased this book for my 88 year old Dad. My Dad grew up in WV and knew Robert Byrd in their early years. Read more
Published on July 30, 2010 by ohshadylady
1.0 out of 5 stars
If you like the KKK, you'll LOVE this book!
Although the Democrats pride themselves on civil rights issues (never mind that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed due to Republicans, not Democrats, who were opposed) they... Read more
Published on October 26, 2005 by Philbert Katz
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