Land of Everlasting Hills - by Ren Davis & Helen Davis (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

At the turn of the twentieth century, the rugged peaks and lush valleys of the Great Smoky Mountains, once home to the Cherokee, were little known outside eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. This dramatically changed with the arrival of two forces with very different visions: lumber companies who sought to fuel the nation's growth and profit from harvesting the abundant timber, and tourists who discovered the healthful qualities and natural beauty of the mountains.

By the early 1920s, it became a race against time to protect the Great Smoky Mountain forests from decimation by commercial logging. Photography proved to be essential to this goal by showing the American people the extraordinary beauty of the landscape that was at risk of being lost. Two men--George Masa (raised as Shoji Endo), a Japanese immigrant in Asheville; and James "Jim" Thompson, a commercial photographer in Knoxville--were leaders in this effort, capturing exceptional images widely used in publications and portfolios for business and political leaders.

In addition, the two men helped guide the effort to blaze the route of the nascent Appalachian Trail through the Great Smokies and beyond to its southern terminus in North Georgia. Jim Thompson lived to see the fruits of his labors, but George Masa, who died in 1933 and was buried in a pauper's grave, did not.

Land of Everlasting Hills details the lives and work of Masa and Thompson, both of whom were influential in the decade-long campaign to establish a national park and to protect the scenic beauty and rich diversity of the Great Smoky Mountains. In addition to the historical and biographical narrative--which includes more than thirty relevant photographs embedded within the text--the large-format book features a selection of photographic plates representing the exceptional images that Masa and Thompson created.

Review Quotes

Land of Everlasting Hills is a masterpiece! Ren and Helen Davis have chronicled the lives of George Masa and Jim Thompson, friends and gifted photographers, and described their contributions to the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Appalachian Trail. The book is thoroughly researched; beautifully written; exquisitely illustrated, with over two-hundred compelling Masa and Thompson photographs; and framed within the broader history of these movements.--William A. Hart, Jr. "George Masa historian"

At long last...a large format presentation of George Masa and Jim Thompson's beautiful and influential photography! An abundant visual celebration of the two primary 'eyes' who captured the beauty that few had seen at a critical moment in American history, Land of Everlasting Hills is an essential collection for all lovers of the Smokies and their fascinating stories.--Paul Bonesteel "filmmaker and coauthor of George Masa: A Life Reimagined"

Well-researched and engagingly written, Land of Everlasting Hills incorporates biographical, historical, and cultural background about the lives of George Masa and Jim Thompson along with a treasure trove of stunning photographs. The lens of each photographer focused on his respective state--Masa in North Carolina, Thompson in Tennessee--but thanks to the commitment of Ren and Helen Davis, Land of Everlasting Hills bridges the divide that separates the two states by showcasing the work of these two artists in a breathtakingly beautiful book. Thompson and Masa captured the charm and majesty of the Smokies, leaving us with a legacy to protect.--Janet McCue "coauthor of Back of Beyond: A Horace Kephart Biography and George Masa: A Life Reimagined"

About the Author

Ren Davis (Author)
REN DAVIS, a retired healthcare executive of thirty-two years, has had his travel writing and photography appear in such places as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Georgia Magazine, and Atlanta Magazine. He is coauthor, with Helen Davis, of several books including Landscapes for the People: George Alexander Grant, First Chief Photographer of the National Park Service (Georgia); Atlanta's Oakland Cemetery: An Illustrated History and Guide (also Georgia); Georgia Walks: Discovering Hikes through the Peach State's Natural and Human History; and Atlanta Walks: A Comprehensive Guide to Walking, Running, and Bicycling the Area's Scenic and Historic Locales.

Helen Davis (Author)
HELEN DAVIS taught for nearly thirty years in Atlanta public and private schools. She is coauthor, with Ren Davis, of several books including Landscapes for the People: George Alexander Grant, First Chief Photographer of the National Park Service (Georgia); Atlanta's Oakland Cemetery: An Illustrated History and Guide (also Georgia); Georgia Walks: Discovering Hikes through the Peach State's Natural and Human History; and Atlanta Walks: A Comprehensive Guide to Walking, Running, and Bicycling the Area's Scenic and Historic Locales.