Life as a Moonshiner's Son: Adversity, Danger, Occasional Humor

The author's father was a major bootlegger in Southeastern North Carolina. He was known far and wide for his ability to make the best moonshine in the area. This bootlegger frequently imposed cruel and even inhumane treatment on his son, especially those involving illegal liquor. James often sustained unusual cruelty and savage beatings for not getting an assigned task perfectly correct. He learned early on to keep his distance from his father and his violent temper, especially when his fat...