Tar Heel Tales

"Tar Heel Tales" by H. E. C. (Henry Edward Cowan) Bryant is a collection of short stories that paint a vivid picture of life in early 20th century North Carolina. Written with an engaging style, the stories explore the rich experiences of the region’s people through dialect and humor. Introducing the characters and settings of rural North Carolina, the book begins with a memorable tale of Uncle Ben, an old former slave sharing nostalgic stories of his past as a cherished hunting partner. Through his words, readers feel the longing for earlier days, mixing joyful memories of chasing foxes with thoughtful moments on loss and the march of time. Supporting the stories as a humorous character, Uncle Derrick delivers commentary involving social rankings, capturing both the connections of locals in the rural world and hinting at cultural commentary spread throughout the writings.