Hatfield-McCoy books available at Appalachian News-Express

Special To The News-Express

It's been called the first biography of the famous patriarch of the feuding Hatfield family, Anderson "Devil Anse" Hatfield, of Hatfield and McCoy Feud fame.

The Devil's great-grandson, the late Dr. Coleman C. Hatfield, along with historian Robert Y. Spence, penned the book, "Tale of the Devil: The Biography of Devil Anse Hatfield," in 2003. Since its release, the volume has garnered a respect from historians across Appalachia and has received international attention, as well. Both authors were from Logan County, W.Va.

According to "Appalachian News-Express" Publisher Jeff Vanderbeck, this title has been selected as the first book to be made available at the newspaper office as part of the newspaper's ongoing commitment to further Appalachian literature and local historic preservation.

"'Tale of the Devil' documents important mountain history - most of it involving our specific region - from the pre-Civil War and post-war years," Vanderbeck said. "It also describes, in great detail, the violent years of the feud and other events surrounding Anderson Hatfield's colorful life. It's a title that should be in every home library."

Additionally, Vanderbeck announced that Hatfield's latest book, "The Feuding Hatfields & McCoys," will also be available at the newspaper. It was co-authored with F. Keith Davis of Chapmanville, W.Va. and was released in February of this year.

According to Davis, CEO of Woodland Press and publisher of both books, "Tale of the Devil" is in its third major printing.

"In 2004, Dr. Hatfield received a prestigious award: Tamarack Author of the Year," Davis said. "That same year, he was honored and publicly recognized through in-person presentations by the governors of Kentucky, West Virginia and Alabama for his commitment to Hatfield and feud history preservation. His second book, 'The Feuding Hatfields & McCoys,' was also recognized earlier this year, and Dr. Hatfield was honored posthumously, by West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin in a special reception at the Capitol. Dr. Hatfield unexpectedly died weeks before his second book was to be released.

"He is certainly missed. He was a great historian, writer and, most importantly, a friend. His literary efforts continue to be best sellers in Appalachia," Davis said.

Throughout his adult life, family historian C.A. Hatfield, an attorney in the city of Logan, wrote and transcribed journals on first-hand accounts of his grandfather Devil Anse Hatfield's life. After the death of C.A. Hatfield in the early 1970s, his son, Dr. Coleman C. Hatfield, picked up his mantle and furthered his own in-depth research. His study of the subject matter has been described as "impeccable" by representatives at the West Virginia Department of History.

"As a biography, it has solid credibility due to C.A. Hatfield's life-long examination of family details," Davis added, "and by Dr. Coleman C. Hatfield's further scrutiny of his great-grandfather's life."

"Tale of the Devil" spans the life of the Hatfield patriarch, including coverage of his Civil War days as a Confederate captain. The 320-page book also chronicles the Hatfield-McCoy feud and the years after the violence ended.

Dr. Hatfield's second title, "The Feuding Hatfields & McCoys," has been called the much-anticipated companion to "Tale of the Devil." Besides being historically significant, this softcover volume contains many rare Hatfield and McCoy family photos.

The "Appalachian News-Express" is making both titles available in the newspaper lobby, at 129 Caroline Avenue, Pikeville. Credit card orders, and shipping arrangements, can be made by calling 606/437-4054.