Barbara Ellen Smith is one of the most accomplished and respected scholars in the field of Appalachian studies. She is a professor of Women’s and Gender Studies at Virginia Tech who worked for the Black Lung Association in the 1970s. The photos are breath-taking, and the text is exemplary in its extensive utilization of interviews with the victims. "Digging Our Own Graves is a lesson on a public health disaster. Smith explores the deep roots of a worker power struggle in Appalachia that continues today." —Celeste Monforton. “A valuable contribution to this important history.” —Grant Crandall. “Barbara Smith’s updated edition of her book, Digging Our Own Graves provides a significant addition to the history of the battles against black lung from its beginnings to our current efforts against resurgent severe disease.” —Bob Cohen.
Chicago: Haymarket Books, an updated edition, 2020 edition of a 1987 release. 319 pages with Index, Notes, Appendix, and a Gallery of Earl Dotter photographs. Trade paperback