Decoration Day in the Mountains

“Decoration Day in the Mountains offers many features worthy of praise, not the least of which is its physical appeal….It’s necessary reading for anyone interested in Decoration Day as well as death-related customs in general, but those who want to experience how ethnography ought to be done, no matter the particular topic, should read this model work.” — Arkansas Review

“Captivating, thoughtful, well-researched and detailed.” — Wisconsin Bookwatch

“By far the most thorough examination of the custom available. . . . Necessary reading for anyone interested in Decoration Day as well as death-related customs in general. . . . Those who want to experience how ethnography ought to be done, no matter the particular topic, should read this model work.” — Arkansas Review

“Richly illustrated. . . . [The] photos punctuate, enliven, and graphically augment the authoritative, though accessible, text.” — Appalachian Heritage

“The most lengthy and authoritative account of this folklore ritual to date.” — Studies in American Culture

“The book is not only a useful reference for its subject matter and interpretations but also a model of research and writing.” — Journal of Southern History

“Extensively researched. . . . Scholars of the upland South will be interested in the cultural history documented in the book, while others with ties to the region will read the book on a more personal level as a visual documentation of key family and community ceremonies.” — The Alabama Review

“[An] interesting book.” — Goldenseal

“Sound groundwork for future researchers. . . . I found much here that was wise and stimulating.” — Western Folklore

“This book will interest folklorists, historic preservationists, culture resource management workers, cultural geographers, archaeologists, and cemetery scholars. It also is an excellent resource for use in classroom instruction. Its accessible style and beautiful illustrations would also recommend it to a popular readership, especially anyone who has a family history of participation in Decoration Days.” — Journal of Folklore Research