Earl Hamner is one of America's best-loved storytellers but he has never been the subject of a full-length study. A pervasive theme runs throughout Hamner's works and that is of a man forever taking a backward glance at his roots for direction in the way of what makes life worthwhile. His vision of what makes for a whole life permeates all of his work. It is present in the novel "Spencer Mountain" upon which "The Waltons" is loosely based and in his screenplays, such as the work he is most proud of "Charlotte's Web". It is even present in such unlikely places as the eight scripts he contributed to the classic television series "The Twilight Zone" and in the tales of cold-blooded betrayal and boundless ambition depicted on "Falcon Crest". The readers of this book will discover a delightful individual who has enjoyed a long, accomplished career as a storyteller, labouring for a worthy goal.