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A Tribute to George Garrett (1929–2008) George Brosi George Palmer Garrett, Jr. (1929–2008) was one of the region’s most distinguished men of letters over the last half century. Garrett’s first introduction to Appalachia came when he attended the Sewanee Military Academy on Monteagle Mountain in Tennessee. The majority of his career, twenty years, was spent as a professor at the University of Virginia, from which he retired in 1999. Garrett published thirty-four books in every conceivable genre and worked in film as well. He was also one of the greatest friends that Appalachian Heritage magazine has ever had. In 2003, I met him at the George Garrett Celebration at the University of Tennessee—yes, Garrett was such an important and beloved literary figure that a celebration in his honor was held at the flagship university of a neighboring state. Garrett’s review essay in our Summer 2004 issue was a true tour-de-force, responding to new poetry books from “Four Appalachian Masters”: Fred Chappell, David Huddle, R. T. Smith, and Charles Wright. He was the linchpin of our wonderful Mary Lee Settle tribute issue, Winter 2006, providing us with the crucial introductions that made it possible. The review of Henry Taylor’s Crooked Run by R. H. W. Dillard in Summer 2006 arrived at George Garrett’s suggestion, as did other pieces. In June 2007, I sent him a brief cavalier message: “Got any poems?” When I accepted two of the three he sent, he was quite gracious, even though I had asked if we could “keep one out for a later issue.” “Job’s Messengers” appeared in the Fall 2007 issue. Now, opposite this tribute, “A Little Night Music” appears. I cannot imagine a more appropriate poem to print posthumously. The generosity that George Garrett displayed to this humble magazine was indeed emblematic of his entire outlook on life. We join the rest of the literary world in mourning his passing and resolving to emulate his many virtues. [End Page 62] Copyright © 2008 Berea College
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