Robert C. Byrd: Child of the Appalachian Coalfields

An autobiography this book surely is. all 770 pages! I read it with great interest from beginning to end, tho it is a heavy book and could have been shortened considerably. Senator Byrd published this memoir in 2005 at the age of 87. As a West Virginia senator in Washington, DC. for more than 50 years, he is well qualified to inform us of the workings of government. He manages to convey the story of his entire life and career, as he witnessed and helped shaped American history. The book is very readable and filled with opinions on most all subjects. Several pictures are appreciated as the reader digests 87 years in the making of a fine gentlemen who, as an orator, a historian, a debator, and a patriotic American, as well as a proud West Virginian, is respected and who inspires us to reach out and make a difference in our corner of the world. Of course, if you are from the beautiful state of West Virginia, or know someone who is, or have relatives there, or live in neighboring states, or if you, like me, just enjoy learning how our legislative branch has evolved, especially the past half century, you'll enjoy this book also. You may want to visit the state aptly nicknamed "Mountain Mama" and drive on the highways Senator Byrd helped fund, see the schools and industries named after him, and the bridges, tourist attractions, etc. etc. with his stamp of approval. If it were not for him, a native son who was raised near the coal mines, attended a two room schoolhouse, and worked his way up from a butcher to a senator who "delivered" to his state, we would not be appreciating the wonders of West Virginia, as John Denver portrays in his song "Country Roads". I was impressed with Senator Byrd's insights. His campaigns over the years had a unique flavor - he played the fiddle and sang mountain music, visited, enjoyed, and helped fund useful projects in every county in his state, made some mistakes, learned from them, and grew into a skillful politician with an attitude - to stand up for what is right, to uphold the Constitution, and to keep America one nation, under God. I learned a great deal from reading the book and perhaps you will ask legislators from your own state "What have YOU done for us lately!" - It appears to me that Robert C. Byrd, a proud super intelligent West Virginian will be a tough act to follow. Americans will do well to get on the websites of state legislators and voice their concerns. Incidentally, this reviewer is not from West Virginia, tho I have visited there and studied the history and people. It is a great state for geneology purposes with beautiful websites for every county. Its citizens can be proud and grateful that Senator Byrd's loyalty, influence, support, courage, and calm reasoning has never wavered and that when he speaks before the senate, and to presidents and leaders all over the world, they listen attentively.

I was a little hesitant to buy a biography of over 800 pages. However, I was quite surprised by the content and layout. Although the book is divided into chapters dealing with specific areas of Senator Byrd's life, the narrative is more along the lines of storytelling. I have enjoyed the fact that the format is in small little stories; a motivator to complete a book of this size. This is an enjoyable, well written book. Although I am originally from West Virginia and thus hold a stronger interest for Senator Byrd, I believe that many will enjoy learning about one of our country's most interesting Senators. Yes, this book does confront the fact that Senator Byrd was in the KKK, unlike what is said in other reviews.

Sent this book to my 89 year old dad who knows Mr. Byrd and who also ran several coal mines in the 50's. So much of the book is true to every detail - this book tells of a time of hard work, good people, company ownership of it's employees, labor unions, and of times that only few know. It is a very pure piece of American History.

Isn't this the true American story for this century? A complete turnabout in one's life, someone raised in Crabtree, West Virginia in an environment of racism. This story is a complete compilation of someone overcoming that old battle of nature vs. nurture. Senator Byrd's redemption has been proved time and time again in his recent years of the senate. His has become the Liberal Lion of the United States Senate, now one of the strongest defenders of Affirmative Action, Abortion Rights, Equal Opportunity for Women, The rights of the State of Israel, etc. So to belittle this man because of an indiscretion in his past is to really have your blinders on and to see what you want to see. Overlooking this man's enormous accomplishments is a sad acquiescence. As a Jewish man, I have total respect, admiration and faith in this Senator. I wonder, what do people want? Would they rather he have kept his old ideals? Another Trent Lott or Haley Barbour? No, this man has apologized, told his story, and has redeemed himself. His actions speak louder than any words or letters from the past. This man is a true American Story. We should all be in admiration of his service to this country.

Child of the Appalachian Coalfields is a fine book. Robert C. Byrd has had a long and distinguished career, and it's very good that he could tell his story himself, before time marches on. This will be an important legacy for future historians -- don't we wish we had a similar tome from Henry Clay? Some in the national news media have been highly critical of Byrd, but they don't understand him and they don't understand West Virginia. This book, if read in the right quarters, would help explain both to those outside the state whose impressions are faulty.