As an old woman lies dying in her Appalachian home, nursed by her daughter, the son-in-law and grandson recall the old woman's tales. Her stories of the women in the southern mountains have provided them with a rich legacy of oral history. From the first startling image, "The wind had got into the clocks and blown the hours awry," to the final moment when time starts up again, Fred Chappell's graceful book presents a remarkable parade. You'll meet The Silent Woman, whose glances carry enough expression to change people's lives. And The Feistiest Woman, who challenges her beloved to a duel with shotgun, rifle, knife, and hammer. Fred Chappell has won international acclaim for his lyrical, graceful writing. His many awards include a Rockefeller Grant and the Award in Literature from the National Institute of Arts and Letters. Farewell, I'm Bound to Leave You is a ringing celebration of mountain wisdom and extraordinary voices.