Tales from Kentucky Nurses

"Tales from Kentucky Nurses fits well with the other Tales from series of books William Lynwood Montell has so admirably compiled for the University Press of Kentucky."—Mary Hamilton, author of Kentucky Folktales

"I had difficulty putting it aside when it was way past my normal bedtime. Several times I would tell myself "just one more story" only to realize later an hour had passed since I made that commitment. Like his other forays into the various occupations indigenous to this part of the country, Tales from Kentucky Nurses has a mesmerizing quality. Montell is a master of this form of storytelling. His prose is focused intently on conveying meaning on multiple levels, and his literary style is ideally suited for a wide audience."—Bowling Green Daily News

"Montell's collection of oral histories is invaluable in preserving the history of the Commonwealth, by reporting on the medical problems endured by Kentuckians with little access to medical care, and telling the stories of the heroic nurses who dedicated their lives to providing care."—Kentucky Libraries

"This book will be useful to many: historians, educators, medical professionals, and

other scholars. But it will also be useful to those who simply love to read, regardless of their profession, and to those who do not want to forget the past."—Journal of Folklore Research

"Montell showcases a wide range of experiences, from the unpredictable environment of the emergency room, to the joys and difficulties of childbirth and the sometimes confounding misbehavior of patients. Other tales focus on the more humorous aspects of life as a nurse, including the story of moonshine-laced coffee, which caused one exhausted nurse to fall asleep while riding her horse home late at night."—Kentucky Living

"The stories span the gamut from tragedy to comedy, revealing the diverse emotions evoked by the practice of nursing. In his commentary and from the stories he chose for inclusion the author reveals his respect and admiration for nurses and the difficult and necessary work they perform."—West Virginia History

"For those seeking a glimpse into the lives of nurses, many of whom led courageous lives of service and who demonstrated a profound commitment to the nursing ethic of care, this book will offer a compelling read. Their stories reveal some of the tensions and challenges and the myriad ways nurses have tried to meet them, and we can be grateful to Montell for gathering them."—Oral History Review