Robert C. Byrd: Child of the Appalachian Coalfields [Hardcover]

ROBERT C. BYRD (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2005

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

 "For those who want a personal and in-depth account of the senator's life and career, this book is essential reading." Goldenseal Magazine

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.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 832 pages
• Publisher: West Virginia University Press; 1st Edition edition (May 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933202009
• ISBN-13: 978-1933202006
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 2.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #667,045 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's long, but enjoyable, October 6, 2005

By 

Christopher Greaver (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Robert C. Byrd: Child of the Appalachian Coalfields (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.

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Child of Appalachian Coalfields, August 1, 2005

By 

M. A. Foote "Foote Notes" (Arizona) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Robert C. Byrd: Child of the Appalachian Coalfields (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:

5.0 out of 5 stars A statesman's legacy, June 22, 2005

By 

J. Donovan (Morgantown WV) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Robert C. Byrd: Child of the Appalachian Coalfields (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.