Montgomery and The River Region have been blessed with a rich and vibrant history. These pages are an attempt to tell their story through the magic of words and the wonder of art.

Winner of the Clinton Jackson Coley Award The 1878 City Directory of Montgomery, Alabama, included "A Brief History of Montgomery," consisting of a "narrative" and a series of events arranged by the months. Compiled by Matthew Powers Blue, this was the earliest history of a place that already served as the center of Deep South cotton culture and as the first capital of the Confederacy. Contemporary historian Mary Ann Neeley has annotated Blue's history to correct errors and clear up inconsistencies, and added other material on early churches, a genealogy of the colorful Blue family, and a Civil War diary by Blue's sister, Ellen. The book also includes many 19th century photographs.

As the "Heart of Dixie" approaches its 2019 Bicentennial, attorney-author Julian L. McPhillips Jr. again draws upon his colorful cases and clients to explore some of the unique aspects of the mind, spirit, and culture of his home state. Two chapters involve other lawyers: a "DUI king" and a family of eight lawyers practicing together. Another relates how in the 1930s F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald enjoyed the same Montgomery neighborhood in which Helen Keller's sister lived and the famous Keller famously visited. This 26-chapter book combines intriguing history with spirituality and brings home interesting tales about Alabamians in distress.

Civil Rights in My Bones: More Colorful Stories from a Lawyer's Life and Work, 2005-2015 is a memoir by Julian L. McPhillips Jr. In a career stretching over forty-plus years, the Montgomery, Alabama, attorney has earned a reputation as a determined advocate for the rights of consumers, victims of police abuse, falsely accused criminal defendants, the unborn, immigrants, and the environment. A previous book, The People’s Lawyer, covered his life and career up to 2005. Civil Rights in My Bones provides additional background about his family roots in Alabama, his parents’ political activism, his education and athletic competition as a champion amateur wrestler, his religious convictions, and his wife, children, and grandchildren. But it also details many of the major cases he has handled in the past decade. These include defenses of consumers victimized by unfair compulsory arbitration clauses, victims of employment discrimination, fellow lawyers and even judges who were unfairly targeted for sanctions for reasons of race or gender, and church congregations at war within themselves over various issues. One fascinating section of the book discusses his and his wife Leslie’s leadership in establishing a new evangelical, healing-spirit Episcopal church and its struggles with the larger church hierarchy. While focused on the author’s life and work, the memoir is also a window into Alabama and Southern life, culture, and politics.

The first book from the acclaimed Atlanta interior designer, known for elegantly collected interiors. Beth Webb believes that regardless of who we are or what kind of style we prefer, beauty and comfort are paramount for any home. Because each room is an environment, her design elevates the everyday by speaking to the five senses. In this lavishly illustrated book, Webb explores the fundamentals of creating a home in which every element we see and touch, and how the room makes us feel, enhance our ability to live well. Drawing from her background in the fine arts, Webb offers insight into how form, line, and scale render a space timeless and promote a sense of well-being. There should be texture, calm colors, and plenty of visual moments to keep the eye moving. There should be impeccable tailoring and polished details. And most important, there should be soul, meaning that the house must reflect its owners and their evolving lifestyle. Webb gracefully shares ideas, images, and stories illustrating these principles throughout this rich visual resource and design reference.