James Still
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Brief Biography
James Still was born and raised on a farm near LaFayette, Alabama. He earned a master’s degree in English from Vanderbilt University in 1930 and a bachelor’s degree in library science from the University of Illinois in 1931 before becoming a librarian at Hindman Settlement School in Kentucky’s Appalachian region. Still’s first poetry collection, Hounds on the Mountain, was published in 1937, and he quit his librarian job a couple years later so that he could immerse himself in his community and write full-time. His first novel, River of Earth, was inspired by the lives of locals. Still went on to serve in the Army Air Force, work as a librarian, and become an English professor at Morehead State University. He also continued producing works across various genres, including novels, short stories, folklore, children’s books, and poetry. Recognized with prestigious awards and accolades, including two Guggenheim Fellowships, Still's contributions to literature solidified his position as Poet Laureate of Kentucky from 1995-1996. He continued writing until his death in 2001.
Publications
Hounds on the Mountain. New York; Viking Press, 1937.
River of Earth. New York; Viking, 1940.
On Troublesome Creek. New York; Viking, 1941.
Way Down Yonder on Troublesome Creek. New York; Putnam, 1974.
The Wolfpen Rusties. New York; Putnam, 1975.
Jack and the Wonder Beans. New York; Putnam, 1976.
Patterns of Man & Other Stories. Lexington; Gnomon, 1976.
Sporty Creek. New York; Putnam, 1977.
The Run of the Elbertas. Lexington; University Press of Kentucky, 1980.
River of Earth, the Poem and Other Poems. Lexington; King Library Press, 1983.
The Wolfpen Poems. Berea; Berea College Press, 1986.
Rusties, Riddles, and Gee-Haw Whimmy-Diddles. Lexington; University of Kentucky Press, 1989.
The Wolfpen Notebooks; a Record of Appalachian Life. Kentucky; University of Kentucky Press, 1991.
From the Mountain, From the Valley: New and Collected Poems. Lexington; University Press of Kentucky, 2001.
Chinaberry. Lexington; University Press of Kentucky, 2011.
The Hills Remember: The Complete Short Stories of James Still. Lexington; University Press of Kentucky, 2012.
River of Earth. New York; Viking, 1940.
On Troublesome Creek. New York; Viking, 1941.
Way Down Yonder on Troublesome Creek. New York; Putnam, 1974.
The Wolfpen Rusties. New York; Putnam, 1975.
Jack and the Wonder Beans. New York; Putnam, 1976.
Patterns of Man & Other Stories. Lexington; Gnomon, 1976.
Sporty Creek. New York; Putnam, 1977.
The Run of the Elbertas. Lexington; University Press of Kentucky, 1980.
River of Earth, the Poem and Other Poems. Lexington; King Library Press, 1983.
The Wolfpen Poems. Berea; Berea College Press, 1986.
Rusties, Riddles, and Gee-Haw Whimmy-Diddles. Lexington; University of Kentucky Press, 1989.
The Wolfpen Notebooks; a Record of Appalachian Life. Kentucky; University of Kentucky Press, 1991.
From the Mountain, From the Valley: New and Collected Poems. Lexington; University Press of Kentucky, 2001.
Chinaberry. Lexington; University Press of Kentucky, 2011.
The Hills Remember: The Complete Short Stories of James Still. Lexington; University Press of Kentucky, 2012.
Themes
James Still wrote poetry, novels, collections of folklore, short stories, and children's books. His works aim to depict Appalachian life fairly and respectfully. A major theme in his writing is surviving and finding security in a challenging, ever-evolving world.
Publisher
Alabama Authors of the 19th and 20th Centuries, edited by Beverley Park Rilett, http://AlabamaAuthors.org
Collection
Citation
Still, James, “James Still,” Alabama Authors of the 19th & 20th Centuries, accessed September 19, 2024, https://alabamaauthors.org/items/show/658.