This is best seen as an exploration of what it is to be Appalachian. Many aspects and strengths are investigated as an understanding is evolved of this unique and resilient culture. You will read of pride and value in Knowing yourself.A native of the Upper Crabtree Community in Haywood County, North Carolina, Bill Best has been involved with Appalachian Studies all of his life but most especially since the mid-1960s. In addition to this dissertation written in the early 1970s, he is the author of The Tragedy Of Platitudinous Piety (1982), The Great Appalachian Sperm Bank and Other Writings (1986) which includes many of his previously published essays and articles, and One Hundred Years Of Appalachian Visions (1997) which is a compilation of first-person writings by Appalachian natives over the past hundred years, most of which were written in response to his request. These publications remain in print to this day. Additionally, as part of his graduate work in Appalachian Studies, he organized and conducted the first Appalachian Studies Conference in 1970. He retired from Berea College in 2002 and continues to write books with most being about seed saving.The Appalachian Renaissance at Berea allege 1944 - 1994, In 2009 by Appalachian imprints Saving Seats Reserving Taste: Heirloom Seed Savers in Appalachia, in 2013 by Ohio University Press, Kentucky Heirloom Seeds: Growing, Eating, Saving, in 2017 by The University Press of Kentucky.