Not only did Wright record life as it happened, he passed judgment on it. In The Shepherd of the Hills he contrasted, in his slanted way, city dwellers with the hill people of the Ozarks, and the hill people come out the winners. Although one may attain the mask of city sophistication, Wright believed, if one is a ruffian, it will be apparent and, on the other hand, if one is a true lady or gentleman, even illiterate speech will not conceal it.

Wright stressed the importance of nature as "God's other book." Too often in the hurry and busyness of city life, greed and hypocrisy take over, but if one takes the time to commune with nature, the healing spirit will help him see the important things of life.

Wright also criticized churches. At this time in history, social consciousness was being raised, and many...