The Voice of Small-Town America: The Selected Writings of Robert Quillen, 1920-1948

Library Journal

Quillen (A Plantation Mistress on the Eve of the Civil War ), former publisher of the South Carolina newspaper Fountain Inn Tribute , celebrates small-town America in this chronological collection of his folksy, witty, and wisecracking news stories and editorials, once syndicated in more than 400 newspapers worldwide. Edited by Moore (Carnival of Blood ), the collection reveals the quirks and idiosyncrasies of humankind-especially of Quillen's family, friends, and neighbors-commenting on matters ranging from the quality of the pastor's Sunday sermon to the cost of groceries. Many entries are public, sentimental letters of advice to Quillen's adopted daughter, Louise. Some contain remarks on liquor, race, and religion that show the nature of works published in the first half of the 20th century. Illustrations include editorial cartoons and photographs. Compiled from the files of the University of South Carolina Library and featuring some pieces never before published, this anthology is recommended for humor or journalism collections at larger public libraries and for readers who want to re/visit the journalism styles of times gone by.-Joyce Sparrow, Juvenile Welfare Bd., Children's Svcs. Council, Pinellas Cty., FL