A Review of the January 2010 Edition of "The Plough"

By John Allen Boyd, editor "Sunbonnets & Sweetgum" and author of "Emerson Avery, That Latin Teacher"

If first impressions are important in analyzing art, and they are, my initial reaction to this digital magazine is one of wonder at being in the presence of something new. The very concept of receiving a sleek, innovative publication that is not printed on paper jumped at me. After all these years of holding bound collections of paper pages in my hands and looking at pictures and reading the written word, “The Coulter Plough” is an experience akin to lifting myself over a fence and stepping onto new land There is a sense of moving from one era and into another.

As I went through the articles in this issue, there arose one sure commonality: their familiarity, in the sense of family. With each section, I was in friendly company. Like being invited to sit down at the family table and noting the personality of each one there – listening and seeing one and then another during the meal. Able to partake and enjoy their good manners and company.

In this issue, I was close to the earth, to history, to the lives of our ancestors, and to this part of our nation and state. Whatever the time and place, I found my ease. The moving visuals captivated and lifted me beyond the frequent artificiality and tugging of traditional media. And the artwork and music. Awesome. The disc is green, inexpensive, and easy to store. Most of all, its content is fascinating from beginning to end. Our interests and inquiries are piqued. Each article has its own personality just as each son and daughter around the family table does. There is that unmistakable bond of kinship to Kentucky and the folks who pass their time here and who have preceded us. It is personal and up close. Friendly. Home folks. I found it endearing to be reminded of the early spring wildflowers. I had no idea about the making of chicken soup. It was interesting to be reminded of how Sue Mundy romped around this part of Kentucky and earned the hanging he received during that bloody, raw age - the same century of early stills and whiskey making. There! All of it! That’s what grabbed me. This entire issue of “The Coulter Plough” landed me on my feet in this place I call home.