Miners, Millhands, and Mountaineers: Industrialization of the Appalachian South, 1880-1930

Winner of the W.D. Weatherford Award from the Appalachian Studies Association, this book provides an examination of the social and economic history of the Appalachian South from 1880 to 1930, describing the revolutionary changes in mountain life as the region was swept up in the American drive toward industrial maturity.

“The first systematic study of industrialization/modernization in Appalachia and the shape of the mountain economy since 1880. . . . it has been well worth the wait. A terrific book! A pleasure, a delight to read.” –Henry D. Shapiro

“As a benchmark book should, this one will stimulate the imagination and industry of future researchers as well as wrapping up the results of the last two decades of research. . . . Eller’s greatest achievement results from his successful fusion of scholarly virtues with literary ones. The book is comprehensive, but not overlong. It is readable but not superficial. The reader who reads only one book in a lifetime on Appalachia cannot do better than to choose this one. . . . No one will be able to ignore it except those who refuse to confront the uncomfortable truths about American society and culture that Appalachia’s history conveys.” –John A. Williams, Appalachian Journal

“Eller’s book is an effective combination of scholarly diligence and passionate concern for his native region. It raises some important questions about the study of Appalachian history and culture.” –James C. Cobb,  Appalachian Journal