James Still Archives - Appalachian History

arrow points over a mountaintop b&w line art

October 23, 2019 Kentucky / Writers

When you get into your head to go sparking, go over the mountain

For 40 years James Still gathered sayings from the local people, which he almost did not allow to be published— here’s why.

james still 1938 and knotts county family

My experience was with the folks themselves

Author James Still spent most of his life in the Hindman Settlement of Knott County, KY. Still worked as a farmer, librarian and teacher.

James Still b&w portrait and cover of 'River of Earth'

February 19, 2015 Kentucky / Writers

The Definitive ‘Appalachian Novel’ Celebrates Its Diamond Anniversary

75 years ago the definitive Appalachian novel was published—James Still’s River of Earth. ‘Appalachian’ literature did not exist then.

The work of Appalachian author James Still can be characterized as balancing a fully realized regional consciousness with a profound universality of theme.

Tag: James Still

When you get into your head to go sparking, go over the mountain

My experience was with the folks themselves

The Definitive ‘Appalachian Novel’ Celebrates Its Diamond Anniversary

Behind the scenes with Appalachian writer James Still