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Stars Fell on Alabama
This work recounts Carmer's arrival in Alabama in the late 1920s, his exploration of the state, its people, customs and racial violence.
- GenresHistoryNonfictionTravel
294 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1935
8 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Carl Carmer
77 books5 followersCarl Cramer is a former professor of English, columnist, and assistant editor of Vanity Fair and Theatre Arts Monthly. In more than thirty years of writing he has produced an impressive list of books, including history, historical novels, poetry and juveniles.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 20, 2010
I'm glad this book exists and that I read it, but I found it more interesting as a cultural artifact than as a reading experience. Although it was difficult for me to read some sections (like depictions of lynchings), I'm especially glad they were included as documentation and confrontation. I'm sure it was extremely risky for him to write about such things, even while using pseudonyms.
Overall the book's really loosely structured--some folk stories, some narrative, somewhere between journalistic and creative nonfiction, --and that style, or lack thereof (possibly combined with the fact that I already sort of knew or expected some of the content), made it a bit difficult for me to feel invested. There are no real threads other than "this is what this part of Alabama is like," so when I closed the book after a chapter, I didn't feel highly compelled to read the next.
I think my favorite section is the chapter towards the end that gives spells for john the conquer root, and some of the african american ghost stories and folk tales. I also found the first few chapters on social life in Tuscaloosa interesting, as some things are very much the same (umm, yes, frat students still ditch classes to go to formals, and there are certifiable debutante balls). It is also true that Tuscaloosa was and *currently is* clearly divided into "From heres," "university people," and poor people and minorities... "
Overall the book's really loosely structured--some folk stories, some narrative, somewhere between journalistic and creative nonfiction, --and that style, or lack thereof (possibly combined with the fact that I already sort of knew or expected some of the content), made it a bit difficult for me to feel invested. There are no real threads other than "this is what this part of Alabama is like," so when I closed the book after a chapter, I didn't feel highly compelled to read the next.
I think my favorite section is the chapter towards the end that gives spells for john the conquer root, and some of the african american ghost stories and folk tales. I also found the first few chapters on social life in Tuscaloosa interesting, as some things are very much the same (umm, yes, frat students still ditch classes to go to formals, and there are certifiable debutante balls). It is also true that Tuscaloosa was and *currently is* clearly divided into "From heres," "university people," and poor people and minorities... "
December 4, 2012
This was a good flea market find, a mixture of reportage, descriptions of long-gone places and people, and folklore of all stripes. Carmer is a fine writer and a sensitive companion on this journey through 1930s Alabama. I enjoyed the descriptions of Sacred Harp singing, plantation ghosts, and black conjure. It was interesting to see how the "Cajan" people of Alabama did not want to be considered blacks. Not so surprising, however, given the treatment African Americans received. No revisionist history, this is the real thing, and well worth seeking out if you're a Southerner or have a fascination for the little histories of the area.
September 17, 2012
A crumbling 1934 edition found stored in my attic, I was both interested and repelled by this loose compilation of folktales and the actual experiences of a native New Yorker during the 6 years he taught at the University of Alabama in the late 1920s - early 1930s. He states that he found Alabama to be as different from the America he was familiar with as another country. It appears he was immediately welcomed by several "old" families who aided in his exploration of the state - fron a Klan rally, a "plantation" barbeque, a lynching, a Sacred Harp singing - and provided opportunities to meet a wide range of citizens. It is valuable for its depiction of a culture that has changed in many respects, but many of the characters he described are recognizable today. I assumed this book had faded into obscurity , but was surprised to learn it was republished several times and last reissued in 2000 with a foreward by Howell Raines. The book was a best seller when originally released and the author was described as one of America's most popular writers in the 40s and 50s. Anyone familiar with Alabama will recognize both places and names. The title refers to a meteor shower that occurred in the early 1800s.
January 2, 2009
Keeping it weird in '09.
This one was a gift from Jen's bro-in-law, given to me because I'd come from the North to teach in Alabama, like Carmer's narrator (or Carmer himself). I really like this-- it's pleasantly odd, as much a collection of random events as it is an actual narrative with a through-line, as Carmer and a couple male friends visit different regions in the state and Carmer tries to get a feel for the ways of life there. It will be an interesting resource, with lots of songs and accents and dialects, etc, some good stories to tell and some things about race that are just bizarre.... This isn't _The Golden Bough_, and there's a lot going on here that I'm not sure I totally understand, but it's a good one.
It's also part of Brad Vice's book of stories, which is near-to-next on my reading list.
This one was a gift from Jen's bro-in-law, given to me because I'd come from the North to teach in Alabama, like Carmer's narrator (or Carmer himself). I really like this-- it's pleasantly odd, as much a collection of random events as it is an actual narrative with a through-line, as Carmer and a couple male friends visit different regions in the state and Carmer tries to get a feel for the ways of life there. It will be an interesting resource, with lots of songs and accents and dialects, etc, some good stories to tell and some things about race that are just bizarre.... This isn't _The Golden Bough_, and there's a lot going on here that I'm not sure I totally understand, but it's a good one.
It's also part of Brad Vice's book of stories, which is near-to-next on my reading list.
Read
November 26, 2011Good old read - it you grew up in Alabama you will see more than a few folks and customs you might recognize - it is a place like no other - not that there is anything wrong with that@!
June 16, 2012
As someone who grew up in western New York, I had been aware of Carl Carmer’s other books like Listen for a Lonesome Drum, The Hudson, and The Farm Boy and the Angel. However, I had never heard of Stars Fell on Alabama until I saw the license plates that the state of Alabama put out in the beginning years of the new century. It was only when I did some digging around that I found out that it was based on Carmer’s book. It was only recently that I finally got around to buying it and reading it. I had tried reading some of his material before and found it to be rather boring. Thus, I was expecting the same. Not necessarily with this one.
The book deals quite a bit with what the former University of Alabama professor had witnessed during his time in the state of Alabama. Even though he lived down there for six years and eventually returned to his native New York State, he saw much during his time. He witnessed a Ku Klux Klan meeting (off in the distance), a fiddler’s contest, a lynching, and the treatment (both good and bad) of what were called Negroes back in that day and age. At the same time, he also came into contact with legends and folklore from both blacks and whites. His descriptions of places like Birmingham and Mobile were quite fascinating – even in that day and age.
I have to wonder what his thoughts of Alabama would have been in the 1960’s and beyond. What has probably been burned in people’s minds is the struggle that blacks for with regard to civil rights. However, I would not be surprised if there were instances where people were colorblind and got along with each other side by side – contrary to the stereotypes we’ve been told.
Overall, Carmer’s book was quite fascinating. Folklore is not exactly my cup of tea, but Carmer did manage to hold my attention with this book. Whether one agrees with the way he wrote the book or not, it still is worth reading to get a taste of the culture and events going on in everyday Alabama back when he lived there.
The book deals quite a bit with what the former University of Alabama professor had witnessed during his time in the state of Alabama. Even though he lived down there for six years and eventually returned to his native New York State, he saw much during his time. He witnessed a Ku Klux Klan meeting (off in the distance), a fiddler’s contest, a lynching, and the treatment (both good and bad) of what were called Negroes back in that day and age. At the same time, he also came into contact with legends and folklore from both blacks and whites. His descriptions of places like Birmingham and Mobile were quite fascinating – even in that day and age.
I have to wonder what his thoughts of Alabama would have been in the 1960’s and beyond. What has probably been burned in people’s minds is the struggle that blacks for with regard to civil rights. However, I would not be surprised if there were instances where people were colorblind and got along with each other side by side – contrary to the stereotypes we’ve been told.
Overall, Carmer’s book was quite fascinating. Folklore is not exactly my cup of tea, but Carmer did manage to hold my attention with this book. Whether one agrees with the way he wrote the book or not, it still is worth reading to get a taste of the culture and events going on in everyday Alabama back when he lived there.
February 16, 2015
It has been several years now since I read this book. Cannot remember where, when or how I chose to read it other than I am a native and long time resident of Birmingham, Alabama. There is a possibility it was a book I chose to read while I was researching for my novel, "The Royal Rose of Alabama, The Gold Crown Pendant Affair.
I had forgotten the book. Thanks to Goodreads, that does not need to happen again. It is great to have a virtual bookshelf to store my books in without having them stacked up at home.
While I cannot remember the writing style of the author, I do remember enjoying the experiences he shared in this book. Many of which I have experienced myself.
Thank you Erik, for sending me a recommendation to read this one, so that I can add it to my shelf.
I had forgotten the book. Thanks to Goodreads, that does not need to happen again. It is great to have a virtual bookshelf to store my books in without having them stacked up at home.
While I cannot remember the writing style of the author, I do remember enjoying the experiences he shared in this book. Many of which I have experienced myself.
Thank you Erik, for sending me a recommendation to read this one, so that I can add it to my shelf.
December 9, 2008
Published in 1934, this is a good way to understand the traditional thinking of folks native-born or passing through the night (as the author was) in early 1930s Alabama. Or to be more exact, how white folks thought and felt in those days. Those who have never been exposed to casual and institutional racism might need to be forwarned - especialy about the "normal" violence therein. If you can see pass that (and some won't), this is a book about folk culture and how people lived
September 17, 2007
I recently read "Salvation on Sand Mountain", a book about snake handlers in Alabama's Hill Country. It was okay, I guess, but mostly it just reminded me of how fantastic "Stars Fell on Alabama" by Carl Carmer is. The introduction by Howell Raines is also very good and it discusses how this book, one of the country's bestselling books in the 1930s, faded into obscurity.
July 30, 2011
Pictures of the gone world. Cramer's 1934 book collects folklore from rural Alabama and depicts life in the state as he found it in the 1920's, gentility and generosity mixed with violence, superstition, and racism.
June 18, 2019
This book has lots of offensive language and offensive attitudes. It's a snapshot of Alabama in the late 1920's an early 1930's. There is some folklore in the book, but the very oppressiveness toward African Americans just slaps you in the face!
Want to read
October 31, 2007I started reading this at Bryan's house and so now I'm putting it on my Christmas list.
May 5, 2012
Simply brilliant. A look at Alabama in the 1920s with all its primitive harshness and prejudice. A remarkable view of America as it was.
December 21, 2020
I think it goes well with reading Faulkner for some context
Want to read
May 20, 2016Mentioned in The Mockingbird Next Door
June 7, 2019
must read for anyone interested in Alabama history
July 7, 2020
A reread from many years ago. The Stars fell in November of 1833 and the book was written in 1934. I have read it for the 2nd time in 2020. How things have changed OR have they?
December 28, 2020
I read this book some time ago, liked it, decided to reread it. The book was written in 1934 and has been made popular again, somewhat. Things have changed in this state as needed.
Mr Carmer, from upstate New York, was an associate professor of English in Tuscaloosa, traveled around the state and wrote about what he saw and experienced. He has divided his book into six sections. When he toured these areas, he was accompanied by a friend who was knowledgeable about their areas and took him to parts he was interested in seeing.
He begins in Tuscaloosa where he began teaching. He wrote about going to college dances where young people are enjoying each other's company. I was more interested in the black churches, their ways of worshiping, their songs.
I do not care for the KKK, though I know it still exists.
Mr Carmer's next stop is into Alabama's Red Hills, the far north. Folks are not that well educated, impressed by Mr Carmer being a professor, perfessor. The people were against the War Between The States, didn't care for blacks, they took away good jobs. The word N is used too much, but that was the time and place. There was still hangings.
The Black Belt, rich farmland, some old plantation type homes from the days before the Civil War. Blacks were still being beaten, people told Mr Carmer stories of how it once war, both black and white were good, interesting story tellers, stories of outlaws, admired somewhat. I always enjoy the stories of Brer Rabbit. These are the best, still well known, never to be forgotten. The Black Belt is the largest part of the book.
But I think I enjoyed the last three sections more. The evil, tricky alligator who couldn't be caught and raised mischief wherever he went, the songs of the blacks, Wade Finley, a strange one, Ida Carter, the Conjure woman, who had so many ways of curing different sicknesses and problems.
The Mobile and the Bayou Country, containing the lovely city of Mobile and the two different and interesting islands, Coq d' Inde and Dauphin Island.
Cajun Country, different folks, where did they come from? Who knows and really cares. They do. A young boy tells Mr Carmer half French, half Indian,no black. This group is dying out. A man and wife, she is Cajun, he from South Carolina, kids not accepted. She married a nonCajun.
I did enjoy the book. I got to meet many interesting people and saw some nice country. Things have changed which is badly needed. I liked the black music, churches, worships and John Henry songs.
Mr Carmer, from upstate New York, was an associate professor of English in Tuscaloosa, traveled around the state and wrote about what he saw and experienced. He has divided his book into six sections. When he toured these areas, he was accompanied by a friend who was knowledgeable about their areas and took him to parts he was interested in seeing.
He begins in Tuscaloosa where he began teaching. He wrote about going to college dances where young people are enjoying each other's company. I was more interested in the black churches, their ways of worshiping, their songs.
I do not care for the KKK, though I know it still exists.
Mr Carmer's next stop is into Alabama's Red Hills, the far north. Folks are not that well educated, impressed by Mr Carmer being a professor, perfessor. The people were against the War Between The States, didn't care for blacks, they took away good jobs. The word N is used too much, but that was the time and place. There was still hangings.
The Black Belt, rich farmland, some old plantation type homes from the days before the Civil War. Blacks were still being beaten, people told Mr Carmer stories of how it once war, both black and white were good, interesting story tellers, stories of outlaws, admired somewhat. I always enjoy the stories of Brer Rabbit. These are the best, still well known, never to be forgotten. The Black Belt is the largest part of the book.
But I think I enjoyed the last three sections more. The evil, tricky alligator who couldn't be caught and raised mischief wherever he went, the songs of the blacks, Wade Finley, a strange one, Ida Carter, the Conjure woman, who had so many ways of curing different sicknesses and problems.
The Mobile and the Bayou Country, containing the lovely city of Mobile and the two different and interesting islands, Coq d' Inde and Dauphin Island.
Cajun Country, different folks, where did they come from? Who knows and really cares. They do. A young boy tells Mr Carmer half French, half Indian,no black. This group is dying out. A man and wife, she is Cajun, he from South Carolina, kids not accepted. She married a nonCajun.
I did enjoy the book. I got to meet many interesting people and saw some nice country. Things have changed which is badly needed. I liked the black music, churches, worships and John Henry songs.
February 24, 2026
My roots are here in Alabama, so I appreciate Carmer for simply documenting Alabama life [during Jim Crow]. There’s customs, conjure, race relations, religion, fiddling, and folklore. It has an old map that sections AL off into the following regions: The Red Hills, The Foothills, Black Belt, Conjure Country, and Cajan Country.
The book also contains a lynching and references convict leasing. While sad and angry, I wasn’t surprised. Also the n– word is used quite generously, and I understand it was the time. Still made me 🙄🤬 I thought the author too permissive/neutral during the instances of racial violence. I’m glad he highlighted the Klan’s influence and barbarism. Carmer also romanticized slavery/antebellum south a bit too much for my liking.
“..once upon a time stars fell on Alabama, changing the land's destiny. What had been written in eternal symbols was thus erased-and the region has existed ever since, unreal and fated, bound by a horoscope such as controls no other country. So I have chosen to write of Alabama not as a state which is part of a nation, but as a strange country in which I once lived and from which I have now returned.”
The book also contains a lynching and references convict leasing. While sad and angry, I wasn’t surprised. Also the n– word is used quite generously, and I understand it was the time. Still made me 🙄🤬 I thought the author too permissive/neutral during the instances of racial violence. I’m glad he highlighted the Klan’s influence and barbarism. Carmer also romanticized slavery/antebellum south a bit too much for my liking.
“..once upon a time stars fell on Alabama, changing the land's destiny. What had been written in eternal symbols was thus erased-and the region has existed ever since, unreal and fated, bound by a horoscope such as controls no other country. So I have chosen to write of Alabama not as a state which is part of a nation, but as a strange country in which I once lived and from which I have now returned.”
May 8, 2023
I struggled to put the book down. I found the book accidently and am glad that I did. The author tells the story of life in Alambama in the early 1900's. The book is brutally honest and I am surprised that the author did not receive death threats. There were some dark times discussed and the civil unrest was scary. This is a must read.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews