Why read Walking Toward the Sunset?

Book cover of Walking Toward the Sunset: The Melungeons of Appalachia

Book description

Walking toward the Sunset is a historical examination of the Melungeons, a mixed-race group predominantly in southern Appalachia. Author Wayne Winkler reviews theories about the Melungeons, compares the Melungeons with other mixed-race groups, and incorporates the latest scientific research to present a comprehensive portrait. In his telling portrait, Winkler examines…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Walking Toward the Sunset as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Lisa Alther

Author

This is the most thorough compendium yet of the available information about Melungeons. Winkler covers the little that is known about Melungeon history, as well as exploring the many origin myths and theories – of descent from shipwrecked Potuguese sailors, from deserters from DeSoto’s exploring expedition, from survivors of Juan Pardo’s torched wilderness forts, etc. He also describes associated mixed race groups and relates some of the scientific efforts to pin down the genesis of the Melungeons.

From Lisa's list on The best books on Melungeons and their history.