Discovering North Carolina: A Tar Heel Reader

by Jack Claiborne

This splendid anthology offers an engaging journey through four centuries of North Carolina life. It draws on a wealth of sources--histories, biographies, diaries, novels, short stories, newspapers, and magazines--to show how North Carolina's rich history and remarkable literary achievements cut across economic and racial lines in often surprising ways. There are selections by or about some of the state's best-known sons and daughters, from Daniel Boone and Andrew Jackson to Ava Gardner, Doris Betts, and Tom Wicker; and topics covered include politics, sports, business, family life, education, race, religion, and war.

392 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1991

Reviews

[Francine Apollo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covers over 400 years of NC history right up to the 1960's-1970's by way of essays and letters from each era.
Both entertaining and informative, with several pages of Sources for additional reading/research, I highly recommend for all curious readers.

[Jamey · Rating 5 out of 5]

And very nicely curated collection of short pieces about our Tar Heel state.

[Michael Brantley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took a long time on this one because it was so much fun. Lots of little pieces about my beloved NC that needed to be savored. This is one of my favorite all time books.

[Joe Vess · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, I really did. But it is so boring. It's dry, it's organized chronologically without having any real sense of purpose. Maybe the second half would be better but I can't make it that far.

[Rahul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-edited book with 100 articles about North Carolina!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of essays, historical bits, sketches, and a few fiction pieces concerning my other home state, North Carolina. Biggest problem with this book? I want to go back to NC! Not a bad collection, and it gives a good flavor and overview of the history of the state. I didn't enjoy it as much as Lone Star Literature, but still a fun read.