Uneven Ground: Appalachia since 1945

By Ronald D. Eller

Book Overview

Appalachia has played a complex and often contradictory role in the unfolding of American history. Created by urban journalists in the years following the Civil War, the idea of Appalachia provided a counterpoint to emerging definitions of progress. Early-twentieth-century critics of modernity saw the region as a remnant of frontier life, a reflection of simpler times that should be preserved and protected. However, supporters of development and of the growth of material production, consumption, and technology decried what they perceived as the isolation and backwardness of the place and sought to "uplift" the mountain people through education and industrialization.

Ronald D Eller has worked with local leaders, state policymakers, and national planners to translate the lessons of private industrial-development history into public policy affecting the region. In Uneven Ground: Appalachia since 1945, Eller examines the politics of development in Appalachia since World War II with an eye toward exploring the idea of progress as it has evolved in modern America. Appalachia's struggle to overcome poverty, to live in harmony with the land, and to respect the diversity of cultures and the value of community is also an American story. In the end, Eller concludes, "Appalachia was not different from the rest of America; it was in fact a mirror of what the nation was becoming."

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0813142466
• ISBN13: 9780813142463
• Release Date: July 2013
• Publisher: University Press of Kentucky
• Length: 392 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.9" x 8.8"
• Grade Range: Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

Very Good

The book arrived in a timely fashion. It was brand new and in perfect condition.

A must read

Living in eastern Kentucky and working in economic/community development I have dealt with much of what Eller talks about and explains better than any other author. This book is a must read for anybody who wants to understand America as we crash head long into another century of conflicting values and goals as a people. Eller's central idea- that the reason much of Appalachia has not "succeeded" is because many here continue to value success differently is thought provoking to say the least. This is a region where connection to and a rootedness in place and family are more important than consumerism (consumerism is still important- this is America after all.) Too much has been decided by outsiders trying to make Appalachia into something that many here don't want this place to become, or the locally powerful who don't want the things to change. You may not agree with some of his conclusions or views but you need to read this book if you want to even begin to understand one of the most culturally complex regions in the country.

Harry Caudill would be Proud

A masterpiece of cogent subtlety. Dr. Eller, a native of Appalachia shows his passion and concern for an area of the U.S. (constructed as a region) that is closest to his heart. Much like colonies of Britain or France, Appalachia has been robbed of its rich natural resources. Still, rather than leading a vitriolic campaign directly against industries that have plundered the region e.g. coal, timber, and mica Dr. Eller seems more interested in finding a sustainable alternative. To be sure, proponents of the continued use of dwindling fossil fuel reserves will have problems with this book, but the simple truth is that we can't continue to stay the course if we want to ensure this to be a world that our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren can live to see and enjoy, in all its natural beauty.

Textbooks

I needed this book for school and the book store didn't have one in stock. Not only did you have it, but I had it within 3 days and still wrapped in plastic, brand new..It was also cheaper than the book store so I actually saved money, even after shipping.