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Highland Handcrafters Parkway Publishers The earliest settlers of the Appalachian Mountains depended upon their quick minds and skillful hands to survive in a beautiful but at times challenging land. They learned to make their own tools, clothes, homes, weapons, utensils, and dishes. This self-reliance has persisted throughout the years as mountain men and women have used God-given gifts rather than cash to survive and thrive. Joining these folks in their handcrafting is the relatively recent influx of professional artisans and craftspeople. Highland Handcrafters: Appalachian Craftspeople tells the story of both the early and late immigrants to the region. From Mary Patton, whose powder blew the British from the Carolinas at Kings Mountain, to Billy Ruth Sudduth, a recent “settler” who has brought basket making to a high art form, this book covers a broad spectrum of highland handcrafters. The book profiles the famous, such as blacksmith Bea Hensley and his son Michael, whose hand-forged creations are sought by presidents and tycoons, and Arval Woody whose chairs rock in museums and mansions. And it presents the humble, such as Joe Willis, whose hand-shaped handles have served mountain workers for over half a century, and Warren Campbell, whose hand-sewn harnesses adorn sturdy draft horses working in woods and fields. Essays and photographs tell the story of a culture that survives, and at times thrives, in a century where mass production and plastic culture have become a way of life. The folks who live in these pages all work with their hands to hold onto values that sustain them, as well as to earn a living. Their voices are worth hearing.
Reviews “Highland Handcrafters: Appalachian Craftspeople is the captivating true story of both early and late immigrants to the Appalachian Mountains region and the wondrous handcrafts they have produced throughout the generations. Chapters tell the stories of individuals who created everything from harnesses to metal sculptures, paintings, blown glass, pottery, stone buildings, music, furniture, cider, and much more. Each profile of an individual includes black-and-white photographs and a down-to-earth description of the person's life and creations. Highland Handcrafters offers absorbing multiple profiles of resourceful, creative, and skilled human beings.”
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