Altina waller biography of christopher

We welcome a guest post from Altina L. Waller, author of Feud: Hatfields, McCoys, and Social Change in Appalachia, 1860-1900.

Altina waller biography of christopher

The famous family feud was the subject of the recent History Channel miniseries “Hatfields and McCoys”. Waller was interviewed extensively for the accompanying documentary to the miniseries. We asked her what she thought of the dramatic portrayal, and this is her response.

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Almost twenty-five years ago I finished writing my book on the violent conflict in Appalachia that came to define feuds everywhere.

After ten years of research I thought I had clearly laid out what happened and why, at least as far as the historical documents allowed. I tried to cut through the myths and legends associated with this iconic event and bring it into the realm of a documentable historical event.

Somewhat self-satisfied I went on to other projects, gratified by many reviewers’ comments that the book actually did