Capturing the 'Voices of Mississippi'
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke with Kelle Barfield from Lorelei Books in Vicksburg, Miss.
"Mississippi is renowned for so many fabulous authors: Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, Willie Morris, more contemporary authors like Jesmyn Ward," says bookstore owner Kelle Barfield. "But we also have a very rich tradition of storytellers."
When William Ferris was growing up on a farm outside Vicksburg, Miss., he got access to a tape recorder — a rare technology in the 40s and 50s. And he began to record everything, says Barfield. "Everything from quilt makers, to a mule trader, to baptisms in the local pond."
Ferris went on to a career studying storytelling and documenting everyday life. A new box set, "Voices of Mississippi," includes not only his writing but also recordings and documentary films.
"There is blues music, gospel music and folklore storytelling," Barfield said.
Ferris' collection showcases his life's work, and Barfield highly recommends it. Ferris also has advice that he shares when he stops by Barfield's store, Lorelei Books: More people should be documenting the stories of their relatives.
"Grab your phone," Barfield remembers Ferris saying. "You have the advantage of technology today, you can sit down with your granddaddy — you can capture on your phone what used to require elaborate recording technology."
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