Voices from the Appalachian Coalfields: Interview PoemsMike and Ruth YarrowPhotographs by Douglas Yarrow"As I write this, the death knell of Appalachian coal is being sounded.  Not today, not tomorrow, but soon, coal mining will only support a few people in the region.  Mike and Ruth Yarrow have performed a great service.  In Voices From the Appalachian Coalfields they have preserved the voices of the men and women who performed the dangerous work of mining in order to power the nation through the 20th century.  Coal miners have received little thanks for their sacrifice.  Perhaps these voices will remind us that the remaining miners deserve support as they face an uncertain future". ~Denise Giardina, author of Storming Heaven and The Unquiet Earth"This is an important contribution to Appalachian and Working Class studies. Grounded in the lives of Appalachian coal miners and their wives facing harsh economic times, these poems offer a vivid picture of their thoughts, emotions, fears, anger, struggles and courage. Hear their voices. Learn from them. Be inspired by them."  ~Steve Fisher, co-editor of Transforming Places: Lessons from Appalachia Judges' Comments: “It is important work here, and well done.  The photographs enhance the book greatly, and great care seems to have been taken with the interviews, documentation, and writing so that the past is preserved intact. “
“These poems, ‘found’ in oral histories of coal mining families, beautifully convey life in the mines and on picket lines, showing the eloquence of the speech of working people.  These pieces present the poetry of everyday life and present all the pain, resilience, bravery, humanity and aspiration of poetry crafted by poets.  This book is a real and lasting contribution to working-class literature.”152 pgs. $17...Free Shipping