William Ferris has long reigned as the unimpeachable source of the entire southern experience. His work on southern folklore and the composition of the Encyclopedia of Southern Culture have made him both legendary and necessary. His book, The Storied South , is a love song to the South Bill helped illuminate. It's a crowning achievement of his own storied career.

I only hope to do well enough before I die to have a house as big as my rich Uncle Ed and Aunt Carole.

Except for memory, time would have no meaning at all.

Craziness attacks the softest eyes and hamstrings the gentlest flanks.

Love's action. It isn't talk and it never has been.

Know this. I think you could be special if you only thought there was anything special about yourself.

My mother thought of my father as half barbarian and half blunt instrument, and she isolated him from his children.