North Carolina: Land of Water, Land of Sky

Product Description

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

Simpson takes his reader across the entire state, blending his memoir with history and landscape in ways that will make even the most cynical North Carolinian acknowledge the special greatness of our state.”—D.G. Martin

Review

Bland Simpson unveils the soul of North Carolina with eloquence and authenticity.  His new book is an absolute joy to read and graced with stunning photography.”—Bill Leslie, journalist and composer

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 Cary 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.

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.

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.