The French Broad

The French Broad, first published in 1955, established Wilma Dykeman as a significant contributor to American literature by raising national awareness of environmental degradation in Appalachia, her beloved home. After years of visiting the people and places on the river, Dykeman crafted a compelling and in-depth account of the issues and circumstances affecting her native land. The French Broad describes the rich natural and human diversity of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina and stands as a timeless reminder that where you’ve been can influence where you’re going. In today’s atmosphere of large-scale changing global conditions, Dykeman’s keen insights serve as testimony that hyper-local perspectives can foster understanding and lay the groundwork for change. “This book was, and is, an effort to increase understanding and appreciation for a rare region, a tough and fragile people and their hard and lovely country.” ~Wilma Dykeman