A Handbook to Appalachia: An Introduction to the Region

by Grace Toney Edwards (Editor), JoAnn Aust Asbury (Editor), Ricky L. Cox (Editor)

Scholars who teach, write, or speak on the history and culture of the Appalachian region are frequently asked by students, administrators, or colleagues to recommend a relatively short, comprehensive book about Appalachia. Until now, there has been no interdisciplinary introductory text in Appalachian studies.A Handbook to Appalachia comprises a collection of concise, accessible overviews of the region written by top academics in a variety of fields, all directed at a general audience. Accompanied by dozens of inviting photographs, the essays offer information to those becoming acquainted with Appalachia for the first time as well as to more experienced observers of the region. The essays are arranged to show how various features of Appalachia are related. Each essay is followed by a list of suggested readings for further study.A Handbook to Appalachia provides a clear, concise first step toward understanding the expanding field of Appalachian studies, from the history of the area to its sometimes conflicted image, from its music and folklore to its outstanding Peoples of AppalachiaNatural Resources and EnvironmentEconomicsPolitics of ChangeHealth CareEducationFolklifeLiteratureReligionVisual ArtsAppalachians Outside the Region

Genres: History

296 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2006

Reviews

[aloveiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt sorry for this book. It was purchased by the library and left in the newly acquired case for 14+ months.
I started thinking I was its only hope.
It's presented in a typical contemporary manner for books that characterize a geographic region:
different authors write in their own style about a subject commissioned to them based on their accepted authority.

I found the colonization, folk art and music sections the most rewarding.

Appalachia is a pretty near hip thing.

[Samuel Saul Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the assigned textbook for the class I was taking 'for fun' this semester, Appalachian History and Culture.

I enjoyed how each chapter was a different academic topic that just focused on the region.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only leafed through this and read bits here and there, but I really liked what I read and saw. Interesting, informative, especially interesting is the discussion of the urban Appalachia experience. Very cool book.

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A variety of essays on Appalachian topics. My research is limited to a small time frame so it wasn't as helpful to me as it might be to someone looking for a broader range.