Confronting Appalachian Stereotypes: Back Talk from an American Region

by Dwight B. Billings (Editor)

Discusses origins and reactions to "hillbilly" stereotypes

Genres: Nonfiction, History

350 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1998

Reviews

[Arabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great deep dive into Appalachian stereotypes. It is a collection of academic writings, with some poetry and short writings in the middle, but everything is very interesting; the language is not difficult to read. Even though it was published in 1999, I would still very much recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Appalachian culture and history (Maybe start with What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia by Elizabeth Catte though for an introduction to the topic). There is a lot of critiques of a play called The Kentucky Cycle, and the opinions of this piece can be applied to the more current Hillbilly Elegy. Overall, a really interesting and thought provoking read!

[Elizabeth Kral · Rating 5 out of 5]

Academic: useful for me as a writer of historical fiction.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly academic-style collection of articles.

[Joshua Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read, especially for those that bleed blue. Former Poet Laureate and an inspiration righter giving Kentucky authors a good name.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely easy to read and very enjoyable. Dwight has a way of making academia fun.