Tar Heel Lightnin': How Secret Stills and Fast Cars Made North Carolina the Moonshine Capital of the World

A crucial read, rich in both historical detail and folklore, dotted with compelling photos and century-old graphics." -Capital at Play

Pierce's book is a crucial read, rich in both historical detail and folklore, dotted with compelling photos and century-old graphics, and featuring extended looks at everyone from Sutton, Polk County bootlegger Betty Sims, and The Andy Griffith Show, to contemporary (and legal) locals like Troy & Sons' Troy Ball and Howling Moon Distillery's Cody Bradford." -Capital at Play

No dry academic study, the book is filled with intoxicating asides on moonshine humor, music, movies, road trips, and more." -WNC

Like all powerful historical accounts, Pierce's book both humanizes and complicates its subject. Stripping away cliches, it reframes moonshining as not merely a symbol of rebellion but also as the fruit of considerable ingenuity and a fundamental drive to survive." -Mountain Xpress

Well informed and entertainingly written. . . . The greatest strength of the book is its tone, which is engaging and conversational. Discussions of popular culture representations of moonshiners complement the historical narrative, and entertaining asides such as the author's "North Carolina Moonshine Playlist" (in chapter 14) add flavor and a touch of whimsy to the book." -Choice

Tar Heel Lightnin' proves that moonshine is the key to understanding North Carolina's history. In doing so, author Daniel Pierce succeeds in treating moonshiners historically with the necessary caveats and without romanticizing criminals into being wholesome heroes. Additionally, Tar Heel Lightnin' discusses the context of moonshine's role in history by addressing southern poverty, southern justice, and southern pride." -Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Books

Handsome and abundantly illustrated. . . . Pierce is both a fine historian and clear writer who should appeal to a wide audience: academics of many fields; North Carolinian general readers who want to know more about their state; NASCAR fans; and anybody who is curious about a significant element of American culture." -North Carolina Historical Review

A highly readable and always engaging account of the place of moonshining in the history of the Tar Heel State" -Journal of Southern History