Author. This Asheville, North Carolina native wrote eighteen novels and non-fiction works chronicling life in her beloved Appalachia. Her most popular work, "The French Broad" was published in 1955 and is considered a classic that helped fuel a revival in the Appalachian literature genre. The book was one of the first writings that called attention to the need for good environmental stewardship and proudly celebrated the author's love for the region's people. Among her other works are three critically acclaimed novels "The Tall Woman" published in 1962 "The Far Family" published in 1966 and "Return the Innocent Earth" published in 1973. In 1957 her and her husband, James Stokely, co-authored "Neither Black nor White". The book on race relations won the "Sydney Hillman Award" as the best book of the year. She wrote columns for regional newspapers and national periodicals, taught at both Berea College and the University of Tennessee, was named Tennessee's official state historian, and won many awards for her works. Known as "The First Lady of Appalachian Literature" the popular author and historian died in Asheville from complications caused by a broken hip.
Author. This Asheville, North Carolina native wrote eighteen novels and non-fiction works chronicling life in her beloved Appalachia. Her most popular work, "The French Broad" was published in 1955 and is considered a classic that helped fuel a revival in the Appalachian literature genre. The book was one of the first writings that called attention to the need for good environmental stewardship and proudly celebrated the author's love for the region's people. Among her other works are three critically acclaimed novels "The Tall Woman" published in 1962 "The Far Family" published in 1966 and "Return the Innocent Earth" published in 1973. In 1957 her and her husband, James Stokely, co-authored "Neither Black nor White". The book on race relations won the "Sydney Hillman Award" as the best book of the year. She wrote columns for regional newspapers and national periodicals, taught at both Berea College and the University of Tennessee, was named Tennessee's official state historian, and won many awards for her works. Known as "The First Lady of Appalachian Literature" the popular author and historian died in Asheville from complications caused by a broken hip.
Bio by: Bigwoo
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