Book Review: Appalachian Folklore Unveiled

Darkness Prevails and Carman Carrion, Appalachian Folklore Unveiled: mysterious happenings of folk spirits and mystic shades from the ancient foothills. New York: Wellfleet Press, 2024.  ISBN: 978-1-57715-440-2. 

Genre: Appalachian region

Subgenre: Folklore

Format: hardcover

Source: Hutchins Library, Berea College 

 

This book collects a variety of tales, stories, beliefs, superstitions, and omens from the Appalachian region. We get to learn a bit about the region's  history and its people through these tales and have been handed down from one generation through the next. 

The book is arranged as follows: 

• An introduction that describes the book's organization and content. 
• History, Culture, Legends, and Influences. 
• Superstitions, Omens, and Spooky Traditions. 
• Apparitions and Haints. 
• Cryptid and Hybrids. 
• Monsters and Demons. 
• Conclusion. In addition the authors also offer a list of resources if you want to learn more. 

Naturally the first part covers history and culture. This is where you get the primer about the region so common in books like this. This is more information for outsiders who may know little to nothing about Appalachia. If you are a local, you can probably skim or skip that part. If you are an outsider, you should read it.  Though I am a transplant, I've lived in the region enough and traveled in it to know the basics. I read it anyhow. 

Once you get past the basics, you get into the stories, which are the core of the book. The authors tell the stories, but they also offer a bit of history and context for the stories. Come of the stories and entertainment, stay for the learning and lessons. Stories overall are short, so they are easy to read. In addition, the book is in sections, so you can skip around and read what interests you first. Still, it is also a good book to read cover to cover. The book also features some sketch illustrations throughout. 

I really liked the book, and I found it very interesting. The book conveys the diverse traditions and superstitions that whites, Blacks, and Native Americans gave the area. 

I recommend the book for public and academic libraries, especially those in the region or that collect materials about the region. Folks interested in folklore and superstitions may find it of interest as well. It's a solid reference work on the topic that is accessible and interesting. 

4 out of 5 stars. 

Qualifies for the following 2025 Reading Challenge: