New books
shed light on historic murders, hunting and Dracula
By Scott Nicholson
New book releases cover the most famous vampire author’s
writing process, an architectural whodunit, and a guide to mountain
fishing and hunting.
Appalachian State University adjunct professor William R. Drennan
has seen publication the paperback release of his true-crime book,
“Death in a Prairie House,” which explores tragic murders
and a fire connected to famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The
book covers an incident made famous in the best-selling book “Loving
Frank.”
Drennan’s research carefully examines events surrounding
the brutal deaths of seven adults and children who were friends
of the architect. Wright’s residence near Spring Green, Wis.,
was also burned in connection with the massacre.
“William Drennan’s careful reconstruction of the events
at Taliesin before, during, and after Aug. 15, 1914, sheds new
light on the tragic happenings of that day,” said Nancy Horan,
author of “Loving Frank.”
Drennan combines elements of a gripping true-crime story with
biographical elements of a world-famous architect at the height
of his powers, analyzing myths, Wright’s architectural philosophy
and how the murders affected Wright and changed his subsequent
work.
Drennan is emeritus professor of English at the University of
Wisconsin–Baraboo/Sauk County and is currently teaching English
at ASU. The paperback version of the book will be released by
the University of Wisconsin Press on Nov. 3.
A classic outdoors title has been re-released. “Hunting and
Fishing in the Great Smokies” was originally published in
1948. Author Jim Gasque was well respected for his narrative writing
and knowledge of some of the more out-of-the-way spots to cast
a line or hunt for boar and grouse. While the hunting landscape
and animal populations have changed, Gasque’s work remains
popular and timely as a history, natural-science work and field
guide.
The book, re-released by the University of North Carolina Press,
contains an introduction by Jim Casada, who as a child explored
some of the same areas as Gasque. Casada is a former president
of the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association and has written
over two dozen books, including “Modern Fly Fishing.”
Gasque wrote about the outdoors for two Asheville newspapers and
also was a contributor to “Field & Stream,” in addition
to building his own rods and outdoor gear. He was also a gardener,
historian and exterminator.
Just in time for Halloween, McFarland Publishing has released
Bram Stoker’s annotated notes for his classic horror novel,
“Dracula.” The book includes facsimile pages of Stoker’s
handwritten notes and a transcription of those notes, including
a calendar of the storyline and the author’s typewritten
notes.
The book was transcribed by Robert Eighteen-Bisang, who is considered
the owner of the world’s largest collection of vampire books,
and Elizabeth Miller, a retired English professor. The collaborators
offer insight on Stoker’s construction of the novel, as well
as appendices for researchers. It’s available through local
stores, libraries and www.mcfarlandpub.com.
Local independent bookseller Black Bear Books of Boone is beefing
up and diversifying its offerings, expanding into magazines and
used audio books. The store is currently seeking to purchase used
audio books or trade them for store credit. The first magazine
carried by the store is the regional WNC Magazine, and more are
arriving daily. The store would also like to hear from customers
in suggesting your favorite titles. The store is located at 2146
Blowing Rock Road and may be contacted at (828) 264-4636.
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