Introduction Summary and Analysis

The Foxfire series is a collection of novels about life in the Appalachian mountains. This collection covers topics ranging from pottery to cockfighting, and includes interviews with local residents as well as pictures and how-to collections.

In the Introduction, by Eliot Wigginton, founder of the Foxfire project, begins by explaining the charm of small town life. Wigginton and his Foxfire staff set out to teach high school students the simple ways of self-sufficiency in the Appalachian Mountains by putting together a student-run newspaper filled with stories of local residents. As it grew, the group purchased land for future endeavors. The plan includes buildings for Foxfire staff as well as community centers, statues, archives, blacksmith shops, and other local establishments. Wigginton sees how Foxfire has worked with the community in planning, has seen their relationship grow and change over time, and hopes...