{"product_id":"arkansas-backstories-volume-two-quirks-characters-and-curiosities-of-the-natural-state-9781945624216","title":"Arkansas Backstories, Volume Two: Quirks, Characters, and Curiosities of the Natural State","description":"\u003ch2\u003eArkansas Backstories, Volume Two: Quirks, Characters, and Curiosities of the Natural State\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis second volume of \u003ci\u003eArkansas Backstories\u003c\/i\u003e reveals surprising insights that will amaze even serious students of Arkansas history. From a world-class yodeler from Zinc who ran against John F. Kennedy in 1960 for the Democratic presidential nomination, to an African-American born in Little Rock who campaigned for the Presidency nearly 70 years before Congressman Shirley Chisholm's historic run, these stories showcase the Natural State's remarkable hidden history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDiscover how bands of blood-thirsty pirates once lurked in the bayous and backwaters of eastern Arkansas, preying on unsuspecting Mississippi River travelers. Learn about an English botanist investigating Arkansas's flora in the early nineteenth century who has been described as the worst explorer in history. Explore Fort Smith's role as host to the world's first international UFO conference, and uncover the surprising Arkansas connections to the Nielsen rating system and Tony Bennett's signature song, \"I Left My Heart in San Francisco.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's Inside This Hardcover Collection\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWritten in an informal, conversational style and nicely illustrated, this hardcover edition presents Arkansas history through unexpected angles and lesser-known stories. Each chapter uncovers the quirks, characters, and curiosities that make the Natural State one of America's most fascinating states. The book serves as both an educational resource and an entertaining exploration of regional heritage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Author Joe David Rice\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJoe David Rice, born in Paragould and reared in Jonesboro, is a well-known and respected resource on all things Arkansas. An accomplished promoter of the state as a \"must-see-and-experience\" destination, Rice served as Arkansas's tourism director for thirty years, working under five governors. He enjoys exploring the Arkansas countryside, be it by foot, canoe, or car, and unearthing those lesser-known tidbits that make the Natural State so special.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis volume will be a wonderful addition to the libraries of Arkansans, expats, and anyone interested in Southern regional history, local trivia, and the untold stories that shaped the Natural State.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJoe David Rice, born in Paragould and reared in Jonesboro, is a well-known and respected resource on all things Arkansas. An accomplished promoter of the state as a \"must-see-and-experience\" destination, Rice served as Arkansas's tourism director for thirty years, working under five governors. He enjoys exploring the Arkansas countryside, be it by foot, canoe, or car, and unearthing those lesser-known tidbits that make the Natural State so special.","brand":"Butler Center for Arkansas Studies","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50493293003026,"sku":"9781945624216","price":28.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_79206c59-8736-497f-83ef-96931fed3f43.jpg?v=1730641940","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/arkansas-backstories-volume-two-quirks-characters-and-curiosities-of-the-natural-state-9781945624216","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}