This book, along with John Alexander Williams' Appalachia: A History (2002) are the only two overviews of our region from the perspective of the discipline of history. Dick Drake (1925-1919) was professor emeritus at Berea College.
From the publisher: "Richard Drake has skillfully woven together the various strands of the Appalachian experience into a sweeping whole. Touching upon folk traditions, health care, the environment, higher education, the role of blacks and women, and much more, Drake offers a compelling social history of a unique American region."