Transforming the Appalachian Countryside

“A major scholar of Appalachian history has brought together, synthesized and made sense of much of the debate and literature that have characterized the field of Appalachian history for the past two decades. . . . A very fine book that will be of enormous use to Appalachian historians in the future.” — Journal of Social History

“Lewis’s superb study of the logging industry in West Virginia . . . provides the best account yet of how industrialization transformed the Appalachian forests at the turn of the century.” — Journal of American History

“An important contribution to the growing body of scholarly writing that has been revising the idea of Appalachian exceptionalism for the past decade. . . . Will help banish forever the persistent social construct of a people and region somehow set apart from the major developmental currents of late-nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century industrial capitalism. . . . Meticulously researched, well written, and enhanced by dozens of poignant photographs. It is a welcome addition to the growing body of literature on the dynamism of a rural-industrial society historically dismissed as static.” — Journal of Southern History

“The most important recent book on Appalachian society. . . . Lewis’s book stands virtually alone.” — American Historical Review

“A thorough and detailed account of the emergence, florescence, and decline of the timber industry in West Virginia, in particular in five of the state’s Allegheny Highland counties.” — Environmental History

“A very useful book that will be of great value to historians of agriculture, but also to those interested in the history of American environment, politics, law, and Appalachia.” — Agricultural History Journal

“The story of the deforestation of the mountains is a drama of monumental tragedy and waste. In Lewis’s hands that story comes alive with meaning for Appalachia today. . . . A book that everyone interested in the process of development in the mountains should read — and read again.” — Journal of Appalachian Studies

“A moving book that deserves reading by environmentalists, sociologists, social, agricultural, and economic historians, and those with interests in southern Americana.” — ##Choice#

“A skillful blend of economic, legal, and social history, this is the most complete study to date of the impact of human institutions on the Appalachian environment.” — Timothy Silver, Appalachian State University

“Carefully scrutinizing the actions of all those involved — from the most savvy railroad executive to the toughest 'wood hick' logger — Lewis unravels the complex legal, social, and economic relationships that led to the destruction of West Virginia’s forests. This is, to date, the most complete study of the impact of humans and their institutions on the Appalachian environment.” — Timothy Silver, Appalachian State University