In Memoriam: Gurney Norman

We are mourning the loss of an Appalachian giant. Gurney Norman was one of the architects of Appalachian literature and Appalachian studies, but he was also a generous teacher and mentor to so many. He was affectionately referred to as “Gurney” by his many admirers, so we will do the same here. His work will stand the test of time and we encourage everyone to celebrate his life and contributions by reading his work. Here at Appalachian Review we are partial to Kinfolks. Silas House says of the book: “Kinfolks by Gurney Norman is to Appalachia what Dubliners by James Joyce is to Ireland.”

We hope you will order Gurney’s books from the independent bookseller of your choice. You can also watch the three short films that were adapted from Kinfolks and collected in the film The Wilgus Stories. Gurney was a longtime supporter of Appalachian Review, and our Summer 2005 issue was dedicated to him and his work. 

Put simply, Gurney is irreplaceable. We send our condolences to his widow Nyoka Hawkins, and to all his beloved students and readers.