Anthropologist John Fox sets off on a worldwide adventure to thefarthest reaches of the globe and the deepest recesses of our ancientpast to answer a question inspired by his sports-loving son:"Why do we play ball?"From Mexican jungles to the small-town gridirons of Ohio, frommedieval villages and royal courts to modern soccer pitches andbaseball parks, The Ball explores the little-known origins ofour favorite sports across the centuries, and traces how a simpleinv...

The novel is set in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky and Virginia and tells the story of the feud between two families, the Tollivers and the Falins, against the backdrop of the changing landscape of the region.The story revolves around the romance between John Hale, an engineer from the East, and June Tolliver, a spirited mountain girl. Their love story becomes entangled in the longstanding and violent feud between the two families. The novel explores themes of love, conflict, and th...

The story follows the life of Chadwick Buford, a young orphan boy who is taken in by a mountain man named "Uncle" Jesse, and grows up in the rural and remote areas of Kentucky. As he matures, Chad becomes known for his skills as a shepherd and his deep connection to the land. However, as the Civil War looms, Chad must grapple with divided loyalties as he is torn between his love for the Kentucky hills and the call to serve his country.The novel explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the...

Rome's father was killed in a feud, and Rome has been raised by his grandfather, Gabe Stetson. Gabe is a proud and independent man, and he has taught Rome the importance of family honor and the code of the mountains.One day, a group of strangers comes to town. They are led by a man named Jasper Lewallen, who claims to be a relative of the Stetsons. Jasper is a handsome and charismatic man, and he quickly wins over the townspeople.However, Rome is suspicious of Jasper. He believes that Jasp...

The stories in this collection offer glimpses into the lives, customs, and landscapes of the Appalachian people. They often focus on themes of rural life, love, honor, and the challenges faced by individuals living in the rugged and isolated Appalachian mountains.One of the most famous stories in the collection is "Hell Fer Sartain," which tells the tale of a man's journey to rescue his beloved from a group of outlaws. This story is noted for its regional dialect and vivid portrayal of the...

"A Mountain Europa" is a romantic and adventure-filled story set in the mountains of eastern Kentucky. The novel explores themes of love, honor, and social class in the context of Appalachian culture. It tells the story of Will Harris, a young man from the mountains, and Diana, a woman from a higher social class visiting the area.The novel delves into the cultural clash and romantic tension that arises when Diana and Will fall in love, despite the social differences that separate them. Joh...

The novella "A Cumberland Vendetta" is set in the mountains of Kentucky and explores themes of feuds, justice, and family honor. The plot revolves around a long-standing blood feud between two families, the Falins and the Harks, which has resulted in violence and tragedy for generations.The story focuses on the characters of Johnse Hatfield, a young man from the Hatfield family, and Rose Ann McCoy, a young woman from the McCoy family. Despite the ongoing feud between their families, Johnse...

In "A Knight of the Cumberland," the story is set in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky and Tennessee. The novel follows the life and adventures of Benham Lockwood, a young and idealistic attorney from the North who comes to the rural South to practice law. He becomes deeply involved in the lives and conflicts of the mountain people, particularly the feud between two families, the Falins and the Callaways.The novel explores themes of love, honor, justice, and the clash of cultures betwe...

The novel explores the culture, traditions, and struggles of the people living in the Appalachian Mountains, particularly in the state of Kentucky. It tells the story of the Hale family, who reside in the remote hills of Kentucky, and the challenges they face, including the impact of modernization and social change on their way of life.John Fox, Jr. was a prominent author of regional fiction, and his works often focused on the Appalachian region. "The Heart of the Hills" is a reflection of...

"Christmas Eve on Lonesome" is one of the prominent stories in the collection, depicting the lives of the mountain folk and their experiences during the holiday season. The story delves into themes of community, family, and the simple joys and struggles of rural existence, particularly during the festive period.John Fox Jr.'s writings often portray the beauty of the Appalachian landscape and the resilience of its inhabitants, offering insights into their customs, beliefs, and the challenge...

"In Happy Valley" is a novel written by John Fox Jr., an American author known for his works depicting life in the Appalachian region. The novel is set in the mountains of eastern Kentucky and portrays the lives of the people who inhabit the area.The story likely explores themes such as community, family, love, and the challenges faced by the residents of the Appalachian region. It may also delve into the complexities of human relationships and the interactions between different social cla...

"Erskine Dale—Pioneer" follows the story of its titular character, Erskine Dale, as he navigates the trials and tribulations of pioneer life in the Appalachian Mountains. Set in the early 19th century, the novel depicts the struggles of settlers as they carve out a living in the rugged wilderness.The central plot of the novel revolves around Erskine Dale's efforts to establish a homestead and build a new life for himself and his family. As he battles against the harsh elements, hostile nei...