David Whisnant provides a comprehensive analysis of the dynamic relationship between culture, power, and policy in Nicaragua over the last 450 years. Spanning a broad spectrum of popular and traditional expressive forms--including literature, music, film, and broadcast media--the book explores the evolution of Nicaraguan culture, its manipulation for political purposes, and the opposition to cultural policy by a variety of marginalized social and regional groups.

Within the historical narrative of cultural change over time, Whisnant skillfully discusses important case studies of...

A classic account of mountain life, accurately portraying the people and lore of the Cumberland Mountains. Miles' familiarity with the mountain people--and her perception of the importance of women, especially older women--allows her to illustrate their way of life in a personal and realistic manner
." . . gives us an extraordinary insight into the personal relationships of the mountain lore, signs, rhymes, omens, tales, even the development of the mountain music. She presents the strength of religious beliefs along with the emotionalism and simplistic tradition of 'the old-time...

Since its initial publication a decade ago, Modernizing the Mountaineer has become a classic in Appalachian studies. Now available with a substantial new introduction, the book is a passionate and provocative critique of the enterprises and organizations that have sought to develop the region. David Whisnant focuses upon public and private social and economic development efforts in Appalachia from the close of the nineteenth century through the early 1970s. He explores their diverse origins, their many ways of assessing and relating to the problems and people of the region, and above all the...