Alex Stewart:Portrait of a Pioneer John Rice Irwin BIO Appalachian Culture

Alex Stewart: Portrait of a Pioneer by John Rice Irwin (1985) is a compelling biography that captures the life of Alex Stewart, a Tennessee mountain man whose experiences reflect the pioneer spirit of America. Stewart, a cooper, farmer, logger, railroad worker, and father of 13, lived a rugged yet fascinating life, relying on his own resourcefulness to survive.

The book is based on hundreds of hours of recorded conversations between Irwin and Stewart, allowing Stewart to tell his own story in his own words. Through vivid anecdotes, he describes rural life in the late 19th and 20th centuries, including hardships like parasitic diseases, food scarcity, and the challenges of self-sufficiency.

Stewart was recognized as a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1983, honoring his craftsmanship and contributions to Appalachian culture.
Condition - very good