The Kentucky Encyclopedia's 2,000-plus entries are the work of more than five hundred writers. Their subjects reflect all areas of the commonwealth and span the time from prehistoric settlement to today's headlines, recording Kentuckians' achievements in art, architecture, business, education, politics, religion, science, and sports. Biographical sketches portray all of Kentucky's governors and U.S. senators, as well as note congressmen and state and local politicians. Kentucky's impact on the national scene is registered in the lives of such figures as Carry Nation, Henry Clay, Louis Brandeis, and Alben Barkley. The commonwealth's high range from writers Harriette Arnow and Jesse Stuart, reformers Laura Clay and Mary Breckinridge, and civil rights leaders Whitney Young, Jr., and Georgia Powers, to sports figures Muhammad Ali and Adolph Rupp and entertainers Loretta Lynn, Merle Travis, and the Everly Brothers. Entries describe each county and county seat and each community with a population above 2,500. Broad overview articles examine such topics as agriculture, segregation, transportation, literature, and folklife. Frequently misunderstood aspects of Kentucky's history and culture are clarified and popular misconceptions corrected. The facts on such subjects as mint juleps, Fort Knox, Boone's coonskin cap, the Kentucky hot brown, and Morgan's Raiders will settle many an argument. For both the researcher and the more casual reader, this collection of facts and fancies about Kentucky and Kentuckians will be an invaluable resource.

Situated on the southeastern edge of the Bluegrass Region, the rural community of Madison County lies in the heart of Kentucky's central rolling hills. Formed in 1785, the county was named for Virginia statesman James Madison. Education thrives in the region, which is home to both Eastern Kentucky University and Berea College. Madison County, Kentucky highlights the progress of the area over the 20th century, including the bustling railroad stations and lines that crossed the county and played an integral role in the local economy.

In the rolling Kentucky Bluegrass, at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, lies historic Madison County. For over forty years, Dr. Fred A. Engle Jr. and Dr. Robert N. Grise have devoted themselves to researching and preserving Madison County's history and cultural legacy through their weekly newspaper column, "Madison's Heritage," in the Richmond Register. Now, Kathryn Engle has sifted through the breadth of their impressive body of work, compiling a fascinating collection of historical tales from this remarkable Kentucky county. Beginning with stories of the hardscrabble pioneers who first settled the area and continuing with tales of Madison County's local legends, important places and pivotal events, these diverse stories embody the essence of this historically rich area. Few know the heritage of this region as well as Engle and Grise. Journey back with them through the annals of Madison County's history. Book jacket.

For over forty years, Dr. Fred A. Engle Jr. and Dr. Robert N. Grise have devoted themselves to researching and preserving Madison Countys history and cultural legacy through their weekly newspaper column, Madisons Heritage, in the Richmond Register. Now, Kathryn Engle has sifted through the breadth of their impressive body of work, compiling a fascinating collection of historical tales from this remarkable Kentucky county. Beginning with stories of the hardscrabble pioneers who first settled the area and continuing with tales of Madison Countys local legends, important places and pivotal events, these diverse stories embody the essence of this historically rich area. Few know the heritage of this region as well as Engle and Grise. Journey back with them through the annals of Madison Countys history.