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Ain't You Got a Right to the Tree of Life?

The People of Johns Island South Carolina—Their Faces, Their Words, and Their Songs

Guy Carawan author Candie Carawan author Robert Yellin illustrator Guy Carawan editor Candie Carawan editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:University of Georgia Press

Published:1st Apr '94

Should be back in stock very soon

Ain't You Got a Right to the Tree of Life? cover

Ain't You Got a Right to the Tree of Life? presents an oral, musical, and photographic record of the venerable Gullah culture in modern times. With roots stretching back to their slave forebears, the Johns Islanders and their folk traditions are a vital link between black Americans and their African and Caribbean ancestors.

When first published in 1966, this book conveyed islanders' trepidation and jubilation upon the arrival of the civil rights movement to their isolated home. In this edition, which is updated through the late 1980s, the stories and songs of an older day blend with the voices of an empowered younger generation determined to fight the overdevelopment of their land by resort builders.

A detailed record of a way of life that is falling victim to the ravages of time.


The authors have richly captured not only the traditional warmth, folk wisdom, and spirit of the Johns Islanders, but also the courage with which they prepare to meet the future.

ISBN: 9780820316437

Dimensions: 279mm x 216mm x 16mm

Weight: 866g

268 pages