Boogers, Witches, and Haints: Appalachian Ghost Stories


Book Description

A collection of spine-tingling Appalachian ghost stories and tall tales passed down from generation to generation. Whether they tell of faucets that drip blood, monster catfish that lurk at the bottom of quarries, or strange lights on the mountaintop, these stories will make you--like the people who are sharing them--question what you believe. Foxfire has brought the philosophy of simple living to hundreds of thousands of readers, teaching creative self-sufficiency and preserving the stories, crafts, and customs of Appalachia. Inspiring and practical, this classic series has become an American institution. In July 2016, Vintage Shorts celebrates Foxfire's 50th Anniversary.




The Foxfire Book


Book Description

First published in 1972, The Foxfire Book was a surprise bestseller that brought Appalachia's philosophy of simple living to hundreds of thousands of readers. Whether you wanted to hunt game, bake the old-fashioned way, or learn the art of successful moonshining, The Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center had a contact who could teach you how with clear, step-by-step instructions. This classic debut volume of the acclaimed series covers a diverse array of crafts and practical skills, including log cabin building, hog dressing, basketmaking, cooking, fencemaking, crop planting, hunting, and moonshining, as well as a look at the history of local traditions like snake lore and faith healing.




Coffin Hollow and Other Ghost Tales


Book Description

Mysterious vanishing hitchhikers, travelers beset by headless dogs, and long-dead moonshiners come alive in this collection of ninety-six Appalachian folktales. Set in coal mines and remote farm cabins, in hidden hollows and on mountain tops, some of these stories look back to the days when West Virginia was first settled; others reflect the rancor and brutality of the Civil War. But most of these tales guide us through the recent past of the uncommonly rich folk heritage of West Virginia. This ghostly collection, with source information and bold illustrations, will thrill longtime lovers of supernatural lore.




Appalachian Ghost Stories


Book Description




Haints, Witches, and Boogers


Book Description




Mountain Folk Remedies


Book Description

Beginning with an illustrated guide to the herbs and roots used in traditional Appalachian healing, “Mountain Folk Remedies” is a fascinating collection of historic remedies ranging from the practical (burdock tea will help aching feet) to the magical (carrying a buckeye in your pocket will help lessen arthritis). Foxfire has brought the philosophy of simple living to hundreds of thousands of readers, teaching creative self-sufficiency and preserving the stories, crafts, and customs of Appalachia. Inspiring and practical, this classic series has become an American institution. In July 2016, Vintage Shorts celebrates Foxfire's 50th Anniversary.




Primary Colors


Book Description

A brilliant and penetrating look behind the scenes of modern American politics, Primary Colors is a funny, wise, and dramatic story with characters and events that resemble some familiar, real-life figures. When a former congressional aide becomes part of the staff of the governor of a small Southern state, he watches in horror, admiration, and amazement, as the governor mixes calculation and sincerity in his not-so-above-board campaign for the presidency.




Foxfire 12


Book Description

For more than thirty years, Foxfire books have brought the philosophy of simple living to hundreds of thousands of readers, teaching creative-self-sufficiency, the art of natural remedies, home crafts, and preserving the stories and customs of Appalachia. Inspiring and practical, this classic series has become an American institution. In this twelfth volume of the series, you'll find reminiscences about learning to square dance and tales about traditional craftsmen who created useful items in the old-time ways that have since disappeared in most of the country. Here are lessons on how to make rose beads and wooden coffins, and on how to find turtles in your local pond. We hear the voices of descendants of the Cherokees who lived in the region, and we learn about what summer camp was like for generations of youngsters. We meet a rich assortment of Appalachian characters and listen to veterans recount their war experiences. Illustrated with photographs and drawings, Foxfire 12 is a rich trove of information and stories from a fascinating American culture.




Haints and Hollers


Book Description

Thirteen plus one short tales by nine different Appalachian authors, an uprooting of tradition with another just for fun. A strong mix of history, speculation, and, perhaps, a wee bit of fear. These hills are listenin', child, so come sit a spell. You'll hear tales you ain't before; dark yahoos, wishes gone wrong, veil walkers, and someone's head might well roll. Ain't nothin' really, just a few new stories you can take back to the holler and share with you and yours. Maybe they'll shiver. Maybe you will too. And maybe, just maybe, you'll hug someone tight when things get scary enough. This is an anthology of nontraditional Appalachian ghost tales. It's not that we don't like the classics. Rather, we're ready for something new. By order of appearance: Part One: Short doesn't mean necessarily sweet. "Messages" by Deborah Marshall "Miss Vera" by Brenda M. G'Fellers "Can Johnny Come Home with Us?" by Rebecca Lynn "Strays" by Brenda M. G'Fellers "A Visit from a Peculiar Entity" by Jeanne G'Fellers Part Two: Here's to sad songs, rabid beasts, and things best left unseen. "Singin' Sally" by Sarah Elizabeth "Survival" by Brenda M. G'Fellers "Born with a Veil" by Jules Corriere "The Neighbors are Fantastic" by Jeanne G'Fellers "Pieces and Parts" by Anne G'Fellers-Mason "As Light Fades" by Kristin Pearson Part Three: Pull up a chair... if you ain't too scared. "Great Uncle's Rocking Chair" by Jeanne G'Fellers "Causing a Scene" by Anne G'Fellers-Mason "The Salt Creek Valley Monkey Dog" by Edward Karshner




Spooky Great Smokies


Book Description

The eastern side of the Smokies abounds with spooky tales, like the story of a Shadow Woman who appeared to a farmer each morning and evening to beg for a cup of milk. Skinned Tom is another East Tennessee haunt, though his is a sinister tale that warns the unfaithful to steer clear of local lover’s lanes for their illicit trysting. From the farmer who finds a Cavern of Skulls to a moonshiner who makes a deal with a water demon; and the Half Shaved ghost seeking vengeance to the first (and only) meeting of the Asheville Ghost Club, the Great Smoky Mountains and its foothills abound with spooky tales. My favorites are in this collection.