Jared M. Phillips - Hipbillies: Deep Revolution in the Arkansas Ozarks

The Arkansas Ozarks, though off the beaten path, are not often thought of as a counterculture haven. In Hipbillies, though, Jared Phillips brings to life the story of the back to the landers in the 1960s and 1970s, providing the first scholarly discussion of this group in the area. By weaving the story of the Ozarks and its population of country hippies into the national narrative, Phillips highlights how both the region and the counterculture were often written off as quaint or bound by stereotype. As he looks at the formation of the back to the landers deep revolution, though, and how they sought to live it out and share it, their relationship with local hill folk, and the legacy of the revolution, Phillips provides a re-evaluation of the counterculture and this part of the Ozarks during the American century. While there were indeed clashes between long haired hippies and cantankerous locals, by collecting oral histories and delving into oft-ignored archival resources, Phillips shows how the region has always been a refugee for those seeking a life off the beaten path, and as such, is perhaps one of the last bastions for the dream of self-sufficiency in American life. Hipbillies presents a region steeped in tradition coming to terms with the modern world, populated by locals and foreigners alike concerned about the survival of Ark-adia into the 21st century.--Provided by publisher.