Top 10 Books Capturing the Soul of South Carolina’s Lowcountry
South Carolina is a beautiful place to be. The Low Country in South Carolina, however, is something one should explore if they’ve never been there. Many books have been written on the region, fictional and non-fictional. These books have helped people understand the beauty of the region. South Carolina is based in the Southern part of the USA, a place with its own complicated history that has led to much controversy. Many stories written about the Low Country often dive into its troubled history. Larry Chesney is an author who has written extensively on the Low Country in South Carolina, his idea behind writing his book is that it showcases the diverse nature and wildlife in the region. Larry Chesney was born in South Carolina, and his expertise in the region is immense.
Sweetgrass and Salt Marshes: Exploring the Geography
The “Low Country” in South Carolina contains wide sandhills. It supports a large degree of biodiversity, which consists of 2.2 million acres of longleaf pine forest, ranchlands, salt marsh as well as wetlands in the southeastern corner of the state. The landscape also allows for the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and the Naval support facility Beaufort. These contribute $2.2 billion to the regional economy, which provides about 20,000 jobs to people.
Gullah Geechee Culture: Preserving Heritage Through Literature
Gullah Geechee culture consists of its own language and living style. The language that these people speak is linked to the Krio language that is used among the people of Sierra Leone in West Africa. The Gullah Geechee people live in large familial and social groups that occupy the same acreage. They sustain these communities by farming, and they earn wages through shrimping, crabbing oyster harvesting. Another part of their culture is basket weaving, reciting folk tales, quilting and wood carving. They also hold Ring shouts that, during the time of slavery, were held in secret but are now annual festivals in honor of their culture as well as their African ancestors. Many books about South Carolina lowcountry cover the Gullah Geechee culture in great detail because it’s an integral part of the region.
Larry Chesney’s Top Picks
The following books have been personally selected by renowned author Larry Chesney himself. These books represent the beauty of the Low Country. The list has been carefully curated for an audience that yearns to learn more about the region.
1. Palmetto Creek: A Tale of the South Carolina Lowcountry by Larry Chesney
When it comes to books about South Carolina Lowcountry, this outstanding book is a must-read. It’s all about the quaint town of Palmetto Creek, the history of which is woven into the fabric of the land that surrounds it. This town is surrounded by a sprawling swamp that teems with life, such as cypress trees and live oaks, as well as the ever-watchful gaze of creatures such as alligators and deer. However, this book is more than just a description of an area. It’s a story about four friends who embark on their annual deer hunting expedition. Many fans of the adventure genre will enjoy this book, and its humor.
2. Tales of the South Carolina Low Country by Nancy Rhine
South Carolina is a place that is far richer in folklore as compared to any other place. The author, Nancy Rhyne, loves the region tremendously and with her tape recorder, she interviews many of the people in the low country region. She found that almost every person had a story to tell, and as a result, she learned quite a bit. What she learnt is found in this book, the book contains a series of tales that many readers will find humorous and also mysterious. Some of the stories are even a bit eerie.
3. South Carolina’s Low Country: A Past Preserved by Catherine Messmer
South Carolina and its Low Country is a place filled with vast and complex history. This book is an effort by the author to showcase the unique history of the area as well the plantations upon which African American slaves worked, along with many of the old historic homes and buildings in South Carolina.
4. Plantations of the Low Country: South Carolina 1697-1865 by Agnes Baldwin
This is a book that showcases the historical architecture of the Low Country in South Carolina. This includes the plantations the previously treasured buildings with their graceful beauty, as well as offering a glimpse into provincial aristocracy.
5. South Carolina’s Lowcountry by Anthony Chibbaro
This is a book that describes the complex and beautiful history of the Low Country of South Carolina, showcasing its most fascinating regions and also discussing the vital role that the region has played in the country’s history, including being home to Fort Sumter, the starting point of the American Civil War.
6. Writings of the Lowcountry: Reflections on the South Carolina Coast by Suzannah Smith Miles
This is a great book that shows readers the history and the culture of the low country of South Carolina, allowing them to immerse themselves in the distinct southern area.
7. The South Carolina Low Country by Ann Curie Williams
This book contains a collection of images from the Low Country of South Carolina containing scenes from the area of Charleston, this includes some of the famous gardens.
8. Down & Dirty: Archaeology of the South Carolina Lowcountry by M. Patrick Hendrix
This book takes readers on a journey on the history of South Carolina, discussing the varied history of the region through analyzing archaeological results.
9. Swamp Kings: The Story of the Murdaugh Family of South Carolina and a Century of Backwoods Power by Jason Ryan
A story about a notorious criminal, convicted of 100 crimes and counting. He was once a smooth-talking Southern lawyer now he finds himself disbarred and disgraced. A harrowing true story about a lawyer who broke bad.
10. Low Country: A Memoir by J.Nicole Jones
This is a great book about the life of the author who grew up in a rich household within a prominent South Carolina family. The memoir shows the ups and downs of her life living with her toxic family.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you are able to pick out a book you like in regards to the low county region of South Carolina, it’s a beautiful place with a great deal of history and much to learn from.