Life in the Leatherwoods

by Wolf, John Quincy; Hyde, Gene; Blevins, Brooks; Barnett, Jim; Blevins, Brooks

• ISBN13: 9781557285942
• ISBN10: 1557285942
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-06-01
• Publisher: Univ of Arkansas Pr

Summary

Life in the Leatherwoods is one of the country's most delightful childhood memoirs, penned by an Ozark native with a keen, observant eye and a gift for narrative. John Quincy Wolf's relaxed style and colorful characters resemble those of another chronicler of nineteenth century rural life, Laura Ingalls Wilder. Wolf's acerbic wit and lucid prose infuse the White River pioneers of his story with such life that the reader participates vicariously in their log rollings, house raisings, spelling bees, hog killings, soap making, country dances, and camp meetings.

Originally published by Memphis State University Press in 1974, this new edition includes additional writings of John Q. Wolf and a continuation of the autobiographical narrative after his 1887 move to Batesville. Wolf's writings are valuable resources for southern historians, folklorists, general readers, and scholars of Ozarkiana because they provide a rare glimpse into the social and family life of a largely misunderstood and stereotyped people -- the independent hill farmers of the Arkansas Ozarks of

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations	xi
Introduction to the Arkansas Classics Edition	xiii
Introduction	3	(4)
Life in the Leatherwoods	7	(12)
On the Banks of the White River	19	(12)
The Abundant Life in a Log Cabin	31	(22)
Fashions for Boys in the Leatherwoods	53	(20)
Dreams and Characters	73	(10)
Wild Life and Weather Lore	83	(12)
Medical Science in the Leatherwoods	95	(14)
Social Life	109	(16)
Big Doings in the Leatherwoods	125	(14)
Steamboating on the Upper White in 1886	139	(22)
An Appraisal	161	(4)
Afterword: John Q. Wolf and His Papers	165	(10)
Appendix I: Additional ``Leatherwoods'' Writings	175	(22)
John Q. Wolf
Appendix II: ``My Fifty Years in Batesville''	197	(14)
John Q. Wolf
Index	211