The Caudills of the Cumberlands: Anne's Story of Life with Harry

By Terry Cummins • Foreword by Wendell Berry • Paperback • 6 x 9 • 400 pages • Includes 8-page photo insert

Appalachian author and activist Harry Caudill published the first edition of his landmark bestseller, Night Comes to the Cumberlands, in 1963 — fifty years ago this year. He dedicated the book, "With affection and respect to my wife, Anne, without whose assistance and insistence it would never have been written and to the Kentucky coalminers whose trials and tragedies are its central theme."

Anne Frye first met Harry Caudill in 1945. She was a student at the University of Kentucky at that time, and Harry had just returned to UK after being wounded in World War II. After a brief courtship, they became engaged, then married in 1946. It was a perfect match and, as history has proven, a perfect partnership.

After the Caudills moved to Whitesburg, Kentucky — Harry's hometown — Harry practiced law and, with Anne's assistance, wrote 10 books. Night Comes to the Cumberlands attracted world-wide attention when it was published. Thousands of visitors, including government officials, journalists, members of the media, historians, volunteers and curious individuals from all over the world traveled to Appalachia to see what "night" had wrought. Many of those visitors actually stayed in the Caudills' home — and while they were there, they swapped stories with their hosts.

Harry was a renowned storyteller, and so is Anne. In this heartwarming memoir, The Caudills of the Cumberlands: Anne's Story of Life with Harry, Anne Caudill — at age 89 — tells author Terry Cummins fascinating and incredible stories from her life with Harry in Appalachia. She recalls historic visits by famous people, memorable moments with family and friends, and shares captivating accounts of regional legends and lore.

Most importantly, this delightful collection of Anne's personal recollections reveals the depth of the relationship she shared with Harry, her partner in love and in life for nearly 44 years: "I never remember a day that Harry didn't kiss me and tell me he loved me."