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Hill Man
After writing Hill Man, Janice Holt Giles said, "I was struck by its strength. It is the most realistic ridge book we have written, completely honest and presenting the truest picture of most of the ridge men."
Giles originally published the book in paperback in 1954 under the pseudonym John Garth. Her usual publisher declined to issue the novel, arguing that it was too sexual and violent for a writer whose other books were popular family book club selections. Now one of the most sought-after novels in the Giles canon, Hill Man is desired as much for its rarity as for its compelling and unromanticized portrayal of poor, rural Kentuckians. This special edition marks the first time the book has ever been available in hardback.
The novel's hero is Rady Cromwell, a man with dangerous ways that make men admire him and women love him. Born the son of a preacher in the hills of Kentucky, Rady grows into a shrewd but likeable prankster and hell-raiser with a gift for separating people from their money. Beginning his adult life with nothing more than a gun, a dog, and a guitar, Rady becomes a backwoods entrepreneur, working diligently to climb the social and economic ladder.
Hill Man follows Rady from his poor beginnings through his conquests of various women and pieces of property. Bold, inventive, hard working, and good natured, Rady follows every opportunity that comes along and takes great pride in raising a herd of cattle or a successful crop of corn or tobacco. Yet he also delights in singing folk ballads around a fire, in the thrill of a foxhunt by moonlight, and in the refreshing waters of a stream after a long day in the fields.
Giles originally published the book in paperback in 1954 under the pseudonym John Garth. Her usual publisher declined to issue the novel, arguing that it was too sexual and violent for a writer whose other books were popular family book club selections. Now one of the most sought-after novels in the Giles canon, Hill Man is desired as much for its rarity as for its compelling and unromanticized portrayal of poor, rural Kentuckians. This special edition marks the first time the book has ever been available in hardback.
The novel's hero is Rady Cromwell, a man with dangerous ways that make men admire him and women love him. Born the son of a preacher in the hills of Kentucky, Rady grows into a shrewd but likeable prankster and hell-raiser with a gift for separating people from their money. Beginning his adult life with nothing more than a gun, a dog, and a guitar, Rady becomes a backwoods entrepreneur, working diligently to climb the social and economic ladder.
Hill Man follows Rady from his poor beginnings through his conquests of various women and pieces of property. Bold, inventive, hard working, and good natured, Rady follows every opportunity that comes along and takes great pride in raising a herd of cattle or a successful crop of corn or tobacco. Yet he also delights in singing folk ballads around a fire, in the thrill of a foxhunt by moonlight, and in the refreshing waters of a stream after a long day in the fields.
184 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1954
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About the author
Janice Holt Giles
39 books47 followersJanice Holt Giles was an American writer best known for her series of pseudo historical novels focusing on life on the American frontier, particularly within Kentucky.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 20, 2008
Great Comparsion of a story told about an Englishman of Wealth and means and a young KY boy who wants to make something of himself.
Great understanding of life in the Hills of SouthCentral KY.
Great understanding of life in the Hills of SouthCentral KY.
October 21, 2025
Old timey
I enjoy reading old books. This was different from most I have read. The main character, Rady, is not likable by today's standards. Once you get into this book you definitely want to find out what happens. Cringe worthy morals, kind of interesting that a woman wrote this.
I enjoy reading old books. This was different from most I have read. The main character, Rady, is not likable by today's standards. Once you get into this book you definitely want to find out what happens. Cringe worthy morals, kind of interesting that a woman wrote this.
May 20, 2016
Another gem from Janice Holt Giles - don't let that truly awful cover art fool you! She originally had to release it under the pseudonym of John Garth, due to the sexual themes in the story - which are quite interesting by the way, and very tame by modern standards. The character of Rady is so well done, Giles presents him to the reader in all his ambitious, charming, and scandalous glory - with no apologies.
September 11, 2013
born poor, married up and again up and managed to lose it all but was on way up as book ended
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews