The Telltale Lilac Bush and Other West Virginia Ghost Tales [Paperback]

Ruth Ann Musick (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 31, 1965

" West Virginia boasts an unusually rich heritage of ghost tales. Originally West Virginians told these hundred stories not for idle amusement but to report supernatural experiences that defied ordinary human explanation. From jealous rivals and ghostly children to murdered kinsmen and omens of death, these tales reflect the inner lives -- the hopes, beliefs, and fears -- of a people. Like all folklore, these tales reveal much of the history of the region: its isolation and violence, the passions and bloodshed of the Civil War era, the hardships of miners and railroad laborers, and the lingering vitality of Old World traditions.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The variety of subjects in her book is vast. Half the enjoyment comes from searching through the pages, discovering one new ghost after another. It's all good hunting and good haunting." -- Rocky Mountain News

Product Details

• Paperback: 189 pages
• Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky; First edition. edition (December 31, 1965)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813101360
• ISBN-13: 978-0813101361
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #340,887 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Staying power, June 10, 2005

By 

Ed Dishmon "V" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Telltale Lilac Bush and Other West Virginia Ghost Tales (Paperback)

This book, is simply put, perfection. I remember reading this book when I was in middle school, and I have kept a copy with me since. Now being almost 30 years old, it shows that this book can make an indellible impression on people.

My only dissapointments are, that it may be the most complete listing of paranormal stories on west virgina folklore, It can never house all the stories out there. Simply put, there just isnt enough room.

Another dissapointment, is that people from outside of the region, have no clue about this book, its existance, or just what a good read they are missing out on.

No matter the books current cost, its worth every penny and then some

Enjoy

Viro Los Diablos

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent, classic collection of ghost tales, November 24, 2009

By 

Dennis Hendrix (Atlanta GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Telltale Lilac Bush and Other West Virginia Ghost Tales (Paperback)

I approach this book primarily with an interest in folklore, not in "ghost hunting." The short 100 stories in this book are told very much from the perspective of the original teller, which is nice I think. Also the writing style is pretty entertaining and a few tales are even a little spooky - and it takes a lot to spook me.

One thing I particularly liked about the book is the fact that the tales are grouped into chapters, for example "Ghostly Children," "Mine Ghosts," "Birds and Animals," etc. with several examples of each. It's easy to get lost when its one random story after another, but grouped in chapters like they are makes it easier to pick up on particular themes and makes the book as a whole more memorable.

If you're interest is in "ghost lore" and you prefer "accounts" over modern-day "hunting" or a lot of embellished "storytelling" then I would say this is certainly one book you should have.

5.0 out of 5 stars Eerie & fascinating., November 1, 2011

By 

Anna Maria (West Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Telltale Lilac Bush and Other West Virginia Ghost Tales (Paperback)

I've read this book many times since the first time I read it in 6th grade. As a native West Virginian I knew where many of the places are that are mentioned. The illustrations that are in some of the chapters are interesting and the stories themselves are just superb. I always find myself re-reading certain ones when I want a good spooky read. I own Coffin Hollow too but this book is my favorite between the two. I think I like it more because this one is split into chapters such as "Ghostly Children", "Omens of Death" and "Jealous Rivals". This book is one you should read if folk lore, a good ghost story, or local hauntings are something you enjoy reading about.