#appalachianlit

[firsteditionbookblog]

I’ll go ahead and say it: Robert Morgan might very well be the best living American poet. He is certainly the best living poet from our region. His work spans decades, and each book plays with different forms, styles, subjects, and characters. From hardscrabble farms to pondering solar terrestrial physics, his work spans the gambit and does so with a poetic clarity few can rival. He published his first book “Zirconia Poems” in 1969. This is one of the 25 hardback copies I’ve only heard rumors of until now. My friend Chan Gordon helped me find some of Morgan’s rarer chapbooks and such, and he always joked that one day he would sell me his Zirconia. Chan would go on to publish a small fine press edition of Morgan’s later book “October Light.” Morgan sent Chan this copy, and it includes the accompanying letter. I’m pleased to add it to the collection, as it will also serve as a reminder of Chan’s longstanding love and promotion of literature from the southern mountains. I’ve included the poems “Hunting” and “Junkyard After Storm” here. Fine book, without a jacket as issued. Numbered 19/25, and signed by Morgan. Association Copy. A new cornerstone of the collection. #robertmorgan #zirconiapoems #lillabuleropress #rarebooks #firstedition #bookcollection #bookcollecting #bookcollection #bibliophile #bookporn #bookhunting #bookstagram #modernfirsts #modernfirsteditions #finebooks #signedbooks #shelfie #southernliterature #southernlit #tennessee #appalachianlit #appalachianliterature #kentucky #northcarolina #virginia #westvirginia #appalachianpoetry https://www.instagram.com/p/CqWksHPsRY0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[citylightsnc]

We’re super excited! Preorder Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle’s novel, “Even As We Breathe” at CityLightsNC dot com or by calling 828-586-9499. This book will be available August 24th. Let us know if you want your copy/copies autographed or personalized by the author. . . . . #preorder #signedbooks #appalachianlit #debutnovel #cherokeeindian #nativeauthor #appalachianbookshelf #ebci #cherokeenc #booksareessential #readingisselfcare #citylightsnc #bookstore #downtownsylva #northcarolina #sylva #spendlocal #indiebookstore #shopwhereyoulive #readmorebooks #wnc #99centshipping #lovejacksonnc #ncdowntownsstrong (at City Lights Bookstore) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_SDDGmJwRI/?igshid=1bn1zeyxoygi7

[dayflybeats-blog]

About to start this book, pretty excited. #ronrash #appalachianlit #newbook #reading

[firsteditionbookblog]

So pleased to find this under the tree this year. Rare as a hardback, Jim Wayne Miller’s third full length book is probably his most influential and ends with his famous “Brier Sermon” poem. Miller signed this book to Nancy Carol Joyner, a prominent Southern and Appalachian literary scholar. Former president of SAMLA, she also put together the influential “Bloodroot: Reflections on Place by Appalachian Women Writers.” Pleased to find this association copy, and always glad to add to the Miller collection. I’ve included his poem “Bird in the House” here, a truly fine work and perhaps his best stand alone poem.. . . . . . . #jimwaynemiller #birdinthehouse #themountainshavecomecloser #nancycaroljoyner #rarebooks #firstedition #bookcollection #bookcollecting #bookcollection #bibliophile #bookporn #bookhunting #bookstagram #modernfirsts #modernfirsteditions #finebooks #signedbooks #shelfie #southernliterature #southernlit #tennessee #appalachianlit #appalachianliterature #kentucky #northcarolina #virginia #westvirginia #appalachianpoetry https://www.instagram.com/p/CmvL9zqMHK7/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[firsteditionbookblog]

Jeff Daniel Marion is probably best known as a poet and teacher, and many of his students have gone on to their own successful literary careers. I think of writers such as Jesse Graves, Lynn Powell, Susan O’Dell Underwood as coming from his tree of influence. He also maintained long literary friendships with Ted Kooser, Robert Morgan, and Jim Wayne Miller. An interview with Kooser about their long relationship is in the current issue of Appalachian Places. His poems are often trim and almost bare, and his older works are becoming more difficult to find. This early chapbook is signed and limited, number 91/100. There are a few hardback copies somewhere in the world but I’ve not found a way to get my hands on one yet. Still, I’m pleased to find this copy even with a couple flaws, as “Tight Lines” contains some of his wonderful fishing poetry (new word to me: piscatory pastorals). The book also has the first appearance of Marion’s more notable poem entitled “By the Banks of the Holston,” the river upon which his cabin sits. Illustrations by George Chavatel, printed on the Iron Mountain Press. Good condition, obvious sunning to front cover, overall Good+ condition. . . . . . . #jeffdanielmarion #georgechavatel #ironmountainpress #tightlines #onthebanksoftheholston #holstonriver #rarebooks #firstedition #bookcollection #bookcollecting #bookcollection #bibliophile #bookporn #bookhunting #bookstagram #modernfirsts #modernfirsteditions #finebooks #signedbooks #shelfie #southernliterature #southernlit #tennessee #appalachianlit #appalachianliterature #kentucky #northcarolina #virginia #westvirginia #appalachianpoetry https://www.instagram.com/p/CqIfDqTuwRj/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[firsteditionbookblog]

If anyone is looking for a quarantine reading suggestion, this would be my pick. Ann Pancake’s novel “Strange as This Weather has Been” is essential reading for anyone interested in contemporary Appalachian fiction, but I also think this is an underrated American classic. Environmental disasters, struggles with religious disunion, the gradual loss of the wilderness, and a family cracking at the seams. Beautifully written, and Uncle Mogey is a figure who sticks with you for a long time. Give it a shot. First edition, paperback as issued, signed. Fine condition. . . . . . #annpancake #strangeasthisweatherhasbeen #shoemakerandhoard #rarebooks #firstedition #bookcollection #bookcollecting #bookcollection #bibliophile #bookporn #bookhunting #bookstagram #modernfirsts #modernfirsteditions #finebooks #signedbooks #shelfie #southernliterature #southernlit #tennessee #appalachianlit #appalachianliterature #kentucky #northcarolina #virginia #westvirginia https://www.instagram.com/p/B_AISXFJBMo/?igshid=pvsu0hj06ret

[firsteditionbookblog]

Thanks to @blackswanbooks.lex for this wonderful Wendell Berry broadside. It seems like so many of his poems reflect a certain peacefulness, and the title and lines both work to foster a sense of rest. I find myself gravitating towards works like this which express environmental concerns without relying heavily on horror or shame, but instead seem to provide a vision of a hopeful future. Berry is a master, and now I’m tasked with trying to find the wall space for another great piece of ephemera. Hopefully the lady doesn’t mind another frame in the hallway! Published on the Larkspur press, in Like New condition. 1 out of 250. . . . . . . . . #wendellberry #modernfirsteditions #appalachianpoetry #thepeaceofwildthings #poetry #southernpoetry #ephemera #broadside #rarebooks #bookcollecting #kentucky #ky #lexington #lexingtonkentucky #appalachianlit #appalachianliterature #southern #pastoralpoetry #bibliophile #shelfie https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs9iSRYAPQY/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=qvv9hrcc1xyk

[firsteditionbookblog]

Glad to connect with @kincaidjenkins103 and get a chance to read his book “Drinking With Others, Poetry by the Pint.” Another Tennessee writer. Poetry on Suttree and the Ukraine war, pappaws and Pistol Pete Maravich. Stories of the South and traveling abroad. Enjoyed the poems, and his excellent photography adds even further depth. I’ve posted “The Deputy” here as a sample. Check him out if you get a chance. . . . . . . . #kincaidjenkins #drinkingwithothers #rarebooks #firstedition #bookcollection #bookcollecting #bookcollection #bibliophile #bookporn #bookhunting #bookstagram #modernfirsts #modernfirsteditions #finebooks #signedbooks #shelfie #southernliterature #southernlit #tennessee #appalachianlit #appalachianliterature #kentucky #northcarolina #virginia #westvirginia #appalachianpoetry https://www.instagram.com/p/CfDIoZrsig_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[firsteditionbookblog]

Pleased to find an inscribed copy of George Scarbrough’s second book “The Course is Upwards.” Rare to find at all, and when I opened this copy it came with a review slip tucked into the first page. A nice surprise from George Brosi of Appalachian Mountain Books. Scarbrough’s family worked as tenet farmers and workednumerous farms across Polk and Meigs counties, and much of his writings draws at least in part from those experiences and places. Fine/Very Good jacket, with review slip,inscribed: “Play on whatever harp is available. HL David. George.” Poem: “For a Brother Man Leaving Home.” #georgescarbrough #thecourseisupward #forayoungbrotherleavinghome #rarebooks #firstedition #bookcollection #bookcollecting #bookcollection #bibliophile #bookporn #bookhunting #bookstagram #modernfirsts #modernfirsteditions #finebooks #signedbooks #shelfie #southernliterature #southernlit #tennessee #appalachianlit #appalachianliterature #kentucky #northcarolina #virginia #westvirginia #appalachianpoetry https://www.instagram.com/p/CdCTNcYsesA/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[firsteditionbookblog]

Glad to find this in the mailbox today. Her first chapbook, Lacy Snapp (@lunaswoodcraft) is a carpenter and poet from Johnson City Tennessee and I’ve found the work intriguing and honest. Her woodworking poems are astounding. Looking forward to a full length collection. I’ve posted the poem Lore here #lacysnapp #shadowsonwood #finishinglinepress #rarebooks #firstedition #bookcollection #bookcollecting #bookcollection #bibliophile #bookporn #bookhunting #bookstagram #modernfirsts #modernfirsteditions #finebooks #signedbooks #shelfie #southernliterature #southernlit #tennessee #appalachianlit #appalachianliterature #kentucky #northcarolina #virginia #westvirginia #appalachianpoetry #lore https://www.instagram.com/therarebookhunter/p/CXP0y1xM1e-/?utm_medium=tumblr

[firsteditionbookblog]

Getting ready to read this again. I am hard pressed to think of another contemporary book in which the characters live so firmly in modern life while keeping a foot in the past. Grandparents in cabins, children working at the Dairy Queen, overalls standing beside pajamas bottoms and brogans. It is both gathering greens in the woods and 24h news cycles, it is love of place and getting out, bright eyed boys on bicycles and leaking slurry lakes. If you haven’t read this one and are interested in modern mountain literature, this is it. 40 year old broke down miners, and people who still believe in the signs. First edition, signed. Fine, wraps as issued. #annpancake #strangeasthisweatherhasbeen #shoemakerandhoard #rarebooks #firstedition #bookcollection #bookcollecting #bookcollection #bibliophile #bookporn #bookhunting #bookstagram #modernfirsts #modernfirsteditions #finebooks #signedbooks #shelfie #southernliterature #southernlit #tennessee #appalachianlit #appalachianliterature #kentucky #northcarolina #virginia #westvirginia #appalachianpoetry https://www.instagram.com/p/CTlYs_gszuS/?utm_medium=tumblr

[firsteditionbookblog]

Pleased to get a copy of this in the mail. Susan O’Dell Underwood’s poems are dense and usually come with a backdrop of theodicy. Resident of East Tennessee, her poems are clearly rooted in place but also discuss theology and philosophy. Another book off the Iris Press out of Oak Ridge and I’ve enjoyed what I’ve read so far. The Book of Awe, signed first edition. Fine/Fine condition. #thebookofawe #susanodellunderwood #irispress #rarebooks #firstedition #bookcollection #bookcollecting #bookcollection #bibliophile #bookporn #bookhunting #bookstagram #modernfirsts #modernfirsteditions #finebooks #signedbooks #shelfie #southernliterature #southernlit #tennessee #appalachianlit #appalachianliterature #kentucky #northcarolina #virginia #westvirginia #appalachianpoetry https://www.instagram.com/p/CSR0minLVHg/?utm_medium=tumblr

[firsteditionbookblog]

Perhaps the southern mountains most preeminent literary voice, Ron Rash’s novels, stories,and poems have again put Appalachian storytelling into the forefront of American literature. Laughing, he once joked that the French care more about this region than New York, and I suspect he’s right. One Foot in Eden, first edition, fine condition, flat signed. . . . . . . . . #ronrash #onefootineden #rarebooks #firstedition #bookcollection #bookcollecting #bookcollection #bibliophile #bookporn #bookhunting #bookstagram #modernfirsts #modernfirsteditions #finebooks #signedbooks #shelfie #southernliterature #southernlit #tennessee #appalachianlit #appalachianliterature #kentucky #northcarolina #virginia #westvirginia https://www.instagram.com/p/CFm5hR-JEjE/?igshid=1vywd5ulq2s8i

[firsteditionbookblog]

Some have called him the father of modern Appalachian literature, James Still’s verse still impacts writers from the region. I think his density of language and deliberate attempts to describe people in environmental terms have been especially impactful. Signed First, Fine condition. . . . . . . #jamesstill #thewolfpenpoems #rarebooks #firstedition #bookcollection #bookcollecting #bookcollection #bibliophile #bookporn #bookhunting #bookstagram #modernfirsts #modernfirsteditions #finebooks #signedbooks #shelfie #southernliterature #southernlit #tennessee #appalachianlit #appalachianliterature #kentucky #northcarolina #virginia #westvirginia https://www.instagram.com/p/CDmk3mOpahT/?igshid=1jbadu2weap7l

[firsteditionbookblog]

I think I would enjoy talking to the poet Rose McLarney. Her new chapbook chapbook arrived today from Bull City Press (@bullcitypress) and I included a poem here. Direct lines, with land as subject and theme. Look her up if you haven’t yet. “In the Gem Mine Capitol of the World,” fine condition. . . . . . . . . #rosemclarney #inthegemminecapitoloftheworld #rarebooks #firstedition #bookcollection #bookcollecting #bookcollection #bibliophile #bookporn #bookhunting #bookstagram #modernfirsts #modernfirsteditions #finebooks #signedbooks #shelfie #southernliterature #southernlit #tennessee #appalachianlit #appalachianliterature #kentucky #northcarolina #virginia #westvirginia #southernhumanitiesreview https://www.instagram.com/p/CDXl_T1pMOt/?igshid=1kx72q58emx0a

[firsteditionbookblog]

A while back I posted in celebration upon completing my collection of Jim Wayne Miller’s works. At the time, I believed I had a signed first of every book he published, and though I had heard of this book I was assured it never came to fruition. So when, to my surprise, @blackswanbooks listed one for sale I had to snatch it up. This is Miller’s final published work, a chapbook from White Fields Press out of Lexington, KY. It is signed and numbered 62/100. Glad to say I NOW have every one of his books signed! On to another author! . . . . . . #jimwaynemiller #briertraveling #heavenchapbookseries #rarebooks #firstedition #bookcollection #bookcollecting #bookcollection #bibliophile #bookporn #bookhunting #bookstagram #modernfirsts #modernfirsteditions #finebooks #signedbooks #shelfie #southernliterature #southernlit #tennessee #appalachianlit #appalachianliterature #kentucky #northcarolina #virginia #westvirginia https://www.instagram.com/p/CB9smPBpoAx/?igshid=3utj09e15a37