John Rice Irwin (1930–2022)

in this book the author, both a native and musician, documents his collection of vintage instruments from crude to exquisite collected in the area. he shares individual and general history. this includes a history of the banjo from its creation and popularization by Joel Walker Sweeney in the 1810s and how the dulcimer and mandolin did not enter the canon until well into the Twentieth Century as core instruments.

If you want to continue living with the romantic notions of mountain life of days gone by, do not read this book - it is a real look into what life was really like.

John Rice Irwin has given the reader a wonderful gift of the stories of quilts and the people who made them. This is a book to be savored.

Culture of Souther Appalachia with focus on basketry. Many examples and descriptions. Descriptions of and discussions with basketmakers. Some methodology.