Alex Stewart: Portrait of a Pioneer

Rating:
Summary: fascinating read for the "modern" mind
Review: I bought this book at the Museum of Appalachia (also founded by the author) on my first visit to Tennessee. The book is almost entirely a transcript of a dialogue/interview between the author and Alex Stewart. At first, I thought this would be a strange format, but as I read on, I discovered that this would be the only way to authentically capture the mind and spirit of Alex on paper.

If you're not from the South, you might find Alex's dialect charminging unusual. A few times I had to read a passage over and over again to fully understand what words Alex was saying. Here is an example where it took me a while to realize that Alex meant "Lord" when kept saying "Law":

"They didn't have no men folks, but they had several children. Making liquor was the only way they had of making a living. Law, they had it hard."

The author cleverly asks questions to get Alex to reveal his pioneer wisdom. More than that, though, the author's selections and chapter arrangements helped to organize the sprawling encyclopedia of Alex's mind.

By the time I reached the end, I was sad to have the "conversation" over. I felt I had known Alex a bit personally, and I mourned at his passing. It was joyous reading while it lasted and my heart ached to know more of Alex.

This is a fabulous book I can't recommend enough. 10 STARS.

Rating:
Summary: Alex: A Great Man
Review: I have read this book and it is all true. Alex was my great uncle. I remember as a child going to his house and striping cane for molasses. They would start early in the morning and work all day. Before uncle Alex died my father took me to see him. I'll never forget a small wooden carving he had of a racoon in a tree with two or three dogs at the base of the tree. He was a very gentle man with a lot of heart. I am very honored to have known this man and loved this man.

Rating:
Summary: Very Helpful
Review: One reason I bought this book is because my Greatgrandmother was Alex's Aunt. I visited Alex as a child with my Parents and Grandmother. Alex was always sending my Grandmother items , such as walking canes. He made my mother a rolling pin, which she still has. Most of all the book gave me many names of my relatives that ive been searhing for.

Rating:
Summary: Alex Stewart, Portrait of a Pioneer
Review: The question/answer format of this book captures the feelings and emotions emitted by Alex Stewart. As each chapter unfolded, I gained additional insight into the "tough" life of a Appalachian family in the early 1900s. The number of skills possessed by Alex Stewart is remarkable. I agree with the author; when Alex Stewart died, an entire library of information went to the grave with him. I've ordered a copy for my 82 year old mother. She will be thrilled to read about making "lye soap", curing meat, and the many other skills discussed.