North Carolina - by Bland Simpson (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Bland Simpson, the celebrated bard of North Carolina's sound country, has blended history, observation of nature, and personal narrative in many books to chronicle the people and places of eastern Carolina. Yet he has spent much of his life in the state's Piedmont, with regular travels into its western mountains. Here, for the first time, Simpson brings his distinctive voice and way of seeing to bear on the entirety of his home state, combining storytelling and travelogue to create a portrait of the Old North State with care and humor"--

Book Synopsis

Bland Simpson, the celebrated bard of North Carolina's sound country, has blended history, observation of nature, and personal narrative in many books to chronicle the people and places of eastern Carolina. Yet he has spent much of his life in the state's Piedmont, with regular travels into its western mountains. Here, for the first time, Simpson brings his distinctive voice and way of seeing to bear on the entirety of his home state, combining storytelling and travelogue to create a portrait of the Old North State with care and humor.

Three of the state's finest photographers come along to guide the journey: Simpson's wife and creative partner, Ann Cary Simpson, professional photographer Scott Taylor, and writer and naturalist Tom Earnhardt. Their photos, combined with Simpson's rich narrative, will inspire readers to consider not only what North Carolina has been and what it is but also what we hope it will be. This book belongs on the shelf of longtime residents, newcomers, and visitors alike.

Review Quotes

"Is it possible for all of us to gain a mental picture of North Carolina landscapes, people, and landmarks by reading a book? . . . . [Bland Simpson] accomplishes this feat effectively."--North Carolina Libraries

"A careful meditation on a particular place . . . With [its] quiet elegance, [North Carolina: Land of Water, Land of Sky . . . feel[s] destined to be savored and preserved, so that decades from now, a young reader might [discover] what rich literary output this state has to offer."--North Carolina Literary Review

"A handy coffee table book of Tar Heel images with terrific text. . . . Extravagantly illustrated by images from three of the state's foremost photographers. . . . Along with stops on the Outer Banks and the barrier islands, he ventures into North Carolina's coasts and mountains, focusing on the natural wonders. It's a delightful trip."--Wilmington Star-News

"A stunning account. . . . Bland Simpson has written a compelling love letter to our entwined 'goodliest land' amplifying our collective appreciation for the sanctuary of home and kinship."--National Public Radio

"Simpson is an ideal travel companion to explore and understand the complexity and diversity of North Carolina. . . . The author and musician's rich narrative voice--often humorous, deeply knowledgeable, and always generous--paints a rich triptych of the breadth of our state, from Down East to the 'short hills and sand hills' of central North Carolina to the 'jump-up country' of the Great Smoky Mountains."--Our State

"The research is thorough. The photographs are exquisite. The book inspires memories, and inspires travel to the places Simpson describes."--Community Sports News

About the Author

Bland Simpson is Kenan Distinguished Professor of English and Creative Writing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is also pianist for The Red Clay Ramblers, the Tony Award-winning string band. In 2005 he received the North Carolina Award, the state's highest civilian honor.

Ann Simpson, photographer, served for thirty years at national and North Carolina environmental organizations and UNC's School of Government. She now is a senior associate with moss + ross strategic consulting.

Scott Taylor is a professional photographer and educator based in Beaufort, North Carolina. He currently holds the position of chair of the Photographic Technology Program at Carteret Community College in Morehead City.

Tom Earnhardt, photographer, is the renowned host-writer-director of the long-running PBS North Carolina show Exploring North Carolina. He was a professor of law at North Carolina Central University and is author of North Carolina: Crossroads of the Natural World.