Appalachia is a culturally distinct region of the United States, defined by its mountainous terrain and unique culture. To better understand the culture and history of the Appalachian region, here are seven books recommended by scholars from East Tennessee State University’s Department of Appalachian Studies: 

Appalachia on Our Mind – Henry D. Shapiro (1978) 


“Appalachia on Our Mind” is a history of the American idea of Appalachia and the distinct “otherness” of the region.  

Hillbilly: A Cultural History of an American Icon – Anthony Harkins (2003) 


In this deep dive into the Appalachian hillbilly, Harkins analyzes the cultural significance of the hillbilly stereotype and how the image has shaped regional pride and has become a symbol of social ridicule.  

Appalachia: A History – John Alexander Williams (2002) 


Williams illustrates a general history of Appalachia and chronicles over four centuries of Appalachian lore covering the region’s social, political, economic and environmental history. 


Appalachia Revisited: New Perspectives on Place, Tradition, and Progress – William Schumann and Rebecca Adkins Fletcher (2016) 


“‘Appalachia Revisited’ showcases current research and methodologies in studying Appalachia,” said Rebecca Adkins Fletcher, a professor in the Department of Appalachian Studies at ETSU and the assistant director of the Center for Appalachian Studies and Services. “Looking at several modern issues through diverse theories and methodologies, chapter authors demonstrate the importance of place and place-making for understanding Appalachia in a global context.” 


Blacks in Appalachia – William H. Turner and Edward J. Cabbell (1985) 

Turner’s collection of the history of Black residents in Appalachia is valuable in understanding an overlooked but prominent population in the region. 

To Live Here, You Have to Fight: How Women Led Appalachian Movements for Social Justice – Jessica Wilkerson (2019) 


In a feminist analysis of the “War on Poverty” and the shaping of Appalachia, Wilkerson explores an unlikely alliance between the federal government and working-class white women exhibiting traditional caretaking and activism responsibilities within their Appalachian communities. 

Encyclopedia of Appalachia – Rudy Abramson and Jean Haskell (2006) 


“Edited at ETSU by a large team of Appalachian Studies scholars led by Dr. Jean Haskell and Rudy Abramson, the Encyclopedia of Appalachia incorporated encyclopedia entries researched and written by many experts,” said Dr. Ted Olson, a general editor for the project and professor in the Department of Appalachian Studies at ETSU.  

East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.

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