Life and Career of local author Silas House subject of new book

Local bestselling author, Silas House, is the subject of the new literary work, Silas House: Exploring an Appalachian Writer’s Work (University of Kentucky Press 2021).

Photo by Tasha Thomas

The book, which is expected to hit bookstores across the country this month, looks at House’s career and works. 

Publishers Weekly has called the volume, edited and co-authored by Dr. Sylvia Bailey Shurbutt, a “scholarly but accessible” collection exploring House’s work. 

“Silas House covers the various areas of House’s work, from his environmental and social activism to his prodigious journalism, fiction, essays, and stage writing as a contemporary playwright—all connected in some degree to what William Blake called the “fearful symmetry” of good and evil,” according to a press release about the book. “This image for House’s writing suggests a complexity of morality and ethical action, as well as the complexity of the region of Appalachia itself.”

House said he never expected to have a book written about his career. 

“No, I certainly didn’t [expect the book],” said House. “It’s something that doesn’t happen for a lot of writers I’m still surprised when people tell me they’re reading my work so it’s a real surprise for people to be writing about it.”

House said that they book has been in the works for a few years and he was told about it early on in the process. 

“I was honored and a little trepidatious to see what would be written,” said House. “I’ve not read the entire book but I love what I’ve seen so far. It brings together a lot of really fine writers and the editor is someone I respect deeply.” 

House said the book makes him feel validated as a writer.

“It’s humbling to know the book will be out there in the world,” said House. 

Not only is House the subject of the new book, he was also recently named editor of Fireside Industries, an imprint of the University Press of Kentucky in partnership with the Hindman Settlement School.

“Fireside Industries strives to publish creative work by authors with unique perspectives, diverse backgrounds, and compelling voices, who are telling the complex stories of Appalachia and rural America,” said House immediately following the announcement. “I’m excited to formally announce my appointment as editor for this ambitious imprint.”

House said, “As editor, it will be my honor to discover new writers and work that reflect the experiences of underrepresented Appalachians and rural people, as well as reintroducing established texts and writers that deserve a second look.”