The story of the Taylors of Tennessee offers a perspective that is as entertaining as it is instructive. Many of the major themes of the broader story are here in abundance, enlivened by the triumphs and travails of some of the individuals who helped to make this land ours-and yours. W. Eugene Cox and Joyce Cox demonstrate how the thread of family connects past to present. In the process, they bring to life an American history full to overflowing with challenges and opportunities.

The Encyclopedia of Tennessee contains detailed information on States: Symbols and Designations, Geography, Archaeology, State History, Local History on individual cities, towns and counties, Chronology of Historic Events in the State, Profiles of Governors, Political Directory, State Constitution, Bibliography of books about the state and an Index.

Bridges to the Past is an anthology of short stories involving Appalachian Mountain humor and serious events that profoundly affected the life of a boy and influenced him prodigiously as an adult. Chapter I, "The Whimper Carter Tales" portrays, in a vivid manner, the art of storytelling. It brings the reader vis-a-vis with Winfrey "Whimper" Carter who epitomized Appalachian storytelling and imagination. Imagine a preacher re-learning profanity because a lawnmower will not start. Alternatively, a teenager thinking a snake bites him when he was actually shot. Humor is to life what blood is to the heart, and Chapter I contains a huge dose of humor. In addition, it's interspersed with historical facts which provide interesting reading. Chapter II, "A Lad's Heroes" is a poignant true story of a small boy who develops a her worship for two older cousins who served with Airborne units in World War II. This hero worship leads the lad into the United States Army and the Airborne. He, too, becomes a paratrooper as a memorial to his relatives, one who was killed in action at the Battle of the Bulge. It is a story that any combat veteran or those interested in military history will enjoy. Chapter III, "A Towheaded Boy and a Fifty-Dollar Rooster" is an equally emotional story that contains some levity. This chapter describes the love and devotion that can develop between a boy and his pets. it further denotes how experiences in childhood may affect a person for life. Chapter IV, "The Day of the Sermon" is a fictional account of a historical episode that shows the suffering of slaves in the ante-bellum South without being academic. It also deals with a devout preacher having the courage to challenge the slave holders in his congregation to determine a way to free those in bondage. Chapter IV invites people to examine the memories of slavery and its effect on this nation. Chapter V, "The Taking of a Deer" is a serious historical fiction account based on a true story of an underdog who was defended in court, gratis, by a wealthy and influential lawyer who once served as a Governor of Tennessee. It demonstrates that the laws of God and commons sense can prevail over laws and justice can be served to the underprivileged. Chapter VI, "The Uncle Cad Tales" depicts humans as they actually exist. This entire chapter consists of humorous tales spoken by a real character who has never received any attention other than through those who have known him. Overall, Bridges is a book that will be enjoyable to people of both sexes and all ages. Everyone, regardless of social status, will find something in Bridges that is fulfilling. It is down-to-earth and involves people who are not rich or famous, but who are very entertaining.

This volume brings together a broad range of research on governors in the American states, examining governors as potentially powerful leaders who are subject to a range of constraints, as well as considering how individual governors may choose leadership paths that either enhance or detract from that power.

Country music grew up in Tennessee, drawing from sources in the white rural music of East and Middle Tennessee, from the church music of country singing conventions, and from the black music of the Memphis area. The author traces the vital role played by Tennessee and its musicians in the development of this unique American art form.

With some 6,000 entries, A Bibliography of Tennessee History will prove to be an invaluable resource for anyone--students, historians, librarians, genealogists--engaged in researching Tennessee's rich and colorful past. A sequel to Sam B. Smith's invaluable 1973 work, Tennessee History: A Bibliography, this book follows a similar format and includes published books and essays, as well as many unpublished theses and dissertations, that have become available during the intervening years. The volume begins with sections on Reference, Natural History, and Native Americans. Its divisions then follow the major periods of the state's history: Before Statehood, State Development, Civil War, Late Nineteenth Century, Early Twentieth Century, and Late Twentieth Century. Sections on Literature and County Histories round out the book. Included is a helpful subject index that points the reader to particular persons, places, incidents, or topics. Substantial sections in this index highlight women's history and African American history, two areas in which scholarship has proliferated during the past two decades. The history of entertainment in Tennessee is also well represented in this volume, including, for example, hundreds of citations for writings about Elvis Presley and for works that treat Nashville and Memphis as major show business centers. The Literature section, meanwhile, includes citations for fiction and poetry relating to Tennessee history as well as for critical works about Tennessee writers. Throughout, the editors have strived to achieve a balance between comprehensive coverage and the need to be selective. The result is a volume that will benefit researchers for years to come. The Editors: W. Calvin Dickinson is professor of history at Tennessee Technological University. Eloise R. Hitchcock is head reference librarian at the University of the South.