Although Appalachia has long been recognized as one othe the most distinctive subregions in North America and has been studied widely as an "underdeveloped problem area," this book is the first to provide a comparative and analytical geographical perspective on the entire Appalachian region rather than on portions of it. The authors highlight the diversity of the region and examine its varying levels of economic development, identifying problem areas as they go. They also review developmental difficulties in light of historical resource use and present patterns of resource control. Based on the most recently available census data, 40 tables and 62 maps complement the narrative, along with 40 photographs. 

The book is ideal for college courses on the Appalachian region, but is also designed to be useful for local, state, and federal government offices responsible for dealing with Appalachia's special needs. Even casual visitors to the region will find much information here that will help them interpret and better understand what they see.