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Back of Beyond A Horace Kephart Biography
An icon of the Southern Appalachian region known for the seminal books Camping and Woodcraft and Our Southern Highlanders, Horace Kephart was instrumental in efforts to create a national park in the Smokies and to establish the Appalachian Trail through North Carolina and Tennessee. This is the behind-the-scenes story of a librarian-turned-woodsman who had a far-reaching effect on wilderness literature and outdoor pursuits throughout North America. "This long-awaited biography of Horace Kephart is so well written and informative that one reads it with the pleasure of a riveting novel and an admiration reserved for the finest scholarship.
460 pages, Paperback
First published July 9, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 23, 2020
Very well written and superbly researched. Perfect for anyone interested in the Great Smokey Mountains, its Park, and the people of Western North Carolina. Things I like about it:
That at each stage of Kephart’s development of new interests the biographers investigated that field for themselves in order to elucidate HK’s thinking, Examples: libraries, library classification systems, Petrarch, rifles and rifle ranges, what was meant by “nervous breakdown” in the first decade of the 20th Century, railroads, cabins, mining companies, alcoholism, relations with Laura, Outing publications, and bibliographical complexity of Camping and Woodcraft, etc.
That the account of the Kephart forefathers (and uncles) was not proforma background but led into an understanding of HK’s values and ambitions and into his relationship with his father.
That there are a lot of block quotations.
That there are NO imagined conversations. (I am curious, however, about the block quotation on pp. 232-233, introduced as something that might have read: . . . which suggests that no one actually did say or write that, so, what is the quotation from? Or is it not really a quotation?)
The gentle way in which it exposes and corrects K’s claim about the unavailability of publications about western Carolina before Our Southern Highlanders, and the correction of other convenient white lies K wrote, I suppose, with poetic license.
The extensive accounts of exploring, promoting and naming places in the Smokey National Park, and the account of George Masa.
The account of what happened to HK’s stuff after he died--the story of its travels to present day locations.
That at each stage of Kephart’s development of new interests the biographers investigated that field for themselves in order to elucidate HK’s thinking, Examples: libraries, library classification systems, Petrarch, rifles and rifle ranges, what was meant by “nervous breakdown” in the first decade of the 20th Century, railroads, cabins, mining companies, alcoholism, relations with Laura, Outing publications, and bibliographical complexity of Camping and Woodcraft, etc.
That the account of the Kephart forefathers (and uncles) was not proforma background but led into an understanding of HK’s values and ambitions and into his relationship with his father.
That there are a lot of block quotations.
That there are NO imagined conversations. (I am curious, however, about the block quotation on pp. 232-233, introduced as something that might have read: . . . which suggests that no one actually did say or write that, so, what is the quotation from? Or is it not really a quotation?)
The gentle way in which it exposes and corrects K’s claim about the unavailability of publications about western Carolina before Our Southern Highlanders, and the correction of other convenient white lies K wrote, I suppose, with poetic license.
The extensive accounts of exploring, promoting and naming places in the Smokey National Park, and the account of George Masa.
The account of what happened to HK’s stuff after he died--the story of its travels to present day locations.
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August 17, 2019The definitive biography of this enigma of a man. Ellison's good writing and charm are a perfect match for the good writing and charm Kephart displayed. When Ellison spoke at Malaprop's in Asheville on August 11, 2019, he gave lots of credit to his co-author, Janet McCue, saying that her skills as a librarian were very valuable. Lovely! -- particularly since Kephart was first a librarian.
January 29, 2020
If you enjoy biographies about overcoming adversity and contributing positively to the betterment of the nation, you'll enjoy this in-depth look at nature writer Horace Kephart. I wrote a column for my local newspaper about him (https://www.crcpl.org/a-librarians-pl...).
April 7, 2020
This biography offers a wealth of background into the life of someone who I have only known about through his books and efforts on behalf of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Being familiar with many of the places mentioned in the book added a real connection to the narrative.
January 2, 2026
A biographical look at a flawed and troubled man who would walk into the woods and find peace. He would go on to write about the area that he fell in love with and that ultimately saved him. In return he influenced a population into saving the area as Great Smokey Mountain National Park.
December 23, 2024
Back of Beyond is a compelling and deeply human portrait of Horace Kephart, a man of extraordinary talent and complexity whose struggles with alcohol and mental illness ultimately led him to seek solace and purpose in the wilderness of the Appalachian Mountains. This biography offers an intimate exploration of Kephart’s life, celebrating his profound contributions to literature, bushcraft, and conservation, while never shying away from the personal demons that shaped his journey.
Kephart’s academic training and literary prowess set him apart, enabling him to document the unique culture of the remote Appalachian backwoods communities with sensitivity and authenticity. His seminal work, Our Southern Highlanders, captures the lives, traditions, and survival skills of the region’s backwoodsmen and women with a blend of respect and fascination. It remains a vital ethnographic record of a disappearing way of life.
Kephart’s practical works, The Book of Camping and Woodcraft and Camp Cookery, have earned him enduring recognition as a pioneer of modern bushcraft. These books, which distilled the resourcefulness and survival expertise of the Appalachian people, continue to inspire countless readers to reconnect with nature and learn essential outdoor skills. Kephart’s ability to combine practical guidance with a philosophy of wilderness immersion resonates powerfully in today’s world, where the stresses of modern life make his ideas about nature as a cure for societal ills more relevant than ever.
The biography also highlights Kephart’s significant role in conservation. His advocacy for preserving the Appalachian wilderness played a key role in the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a lasting testament to his vision and dedication. This achievement underscores his belief in the intrinsic value of wild spaces—not just as sanctuaries for individuals seeking renewal, but as treasures for future generations.
Through rich narrative and thoughtful analysis, Back of Beyond paints a vivid picture of a man whose immersion in the wilderness was both an escape and a calling. It reveals Kephart’s struggles and triumphs, his humanity, and his enduring legacy. This biography is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of bushcraft, conservation, or the profound ways in which nature can heal and inspire.
A remarkable biography of a truly remarkable man.
Kephart’s academic training and literary prowess set him apart, enabling him to document the unique culture of the remote Appalachian backwoods communities with sensitivity and authenticity. His seminal work, Our Southern Highlanders, captures the lives, traditions, and survival skills of the region’s backwoodsmen and women with a blend of respect and fascination. It remains a vital ethnographic record of a disappearing way of life.
Kephart’s practical works, The Book of Camping and Woodcraft and Camp Cookery, have earned him enduring recognition as a pioneer of modern bushcraft. These books, which distilled the resourcefulness and survival expertise of the Appalachian people, continue to inspire countless readers to reconnect with nature and learn essential outdoor skills. Kephart’s ability to combine practical guidance with a philosophy of wilderness immersion resonates powerfully in today’s world, where the stresses of modern life make his ideas about nature as a cure for societal ills more relevant than ever.
The biography also highlights Kephart’s significant role in conservation. His advocacy for preserving the Appalachian wilderness played a key role in the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a lasting testament to his vision and dedication. This achievement underscores his belief in the intrinsic value of wild spaces—not just as sanctuaries for individuals seeking renewal, but as treasures for future generations.
Through rich narrative and thoughtful analysis, Back of Beyond paints a vivid picture of a man whose immersion in the wilderness was both an escape and a calling. It reveals Kephart’s struggles and triumphs, his humanity, and his enduring legacy. This biography is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of bushcraft, conservation, or the profound ways in which nature can heal and inspire.
A remarkable biography of a truly remarkable man.
December 1, 2025
What a great biography, had no idea all this guy had going on besides wanting Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews