Source: Kathy Lauder, Nashville Historical Newsletter
Date: Oct. 5, 2009

George Zepp has been a quiet hero to Nashville history lovers for years. His weekly Tennessean column unearthing the city’s secrets and dispelling its rumors has been a must-read since 2002. Those of us who have faithfully clipped the columns and stuffed them into over-flowing folders have long urged him to anthologize them. What a delight to discover that Hidden History of Nashville, featuring many of our favorite “Learn Nashville” columns is finally available.
It’s a great-looking book, from its attractive cover to its inviting layout adorned by a generous collection of historic photos. The Preface is fascinating, and the reading list and references at the end of the book are extremely valuable.
But best of all are the columns! Each one sparked by a question from a reader, these meticulously researched and well-written narratives deepen our understanding of this colorful and historic city. The chapter headings alone will lure you in: “True Tall Tales: Coffee, Cave and Curse,” “Distant Troubles: Outlaws, Slaves and Slums,” and the tantalizing “Naughty Nashville: Drinking, Stripping and Cavorting,” just to name a few. Read about settlers & strippers, brewers & blues singers, entrepreneurs & Presidents. Life in any city is filled with unanticipated stories, but Zepp has discovered Nashville’s untamed heart and offers it to us with a grin. Who would expect to find Teddy Roosevelt and Jesse James, James K. Polk and O. Henry, Edgar Bergen and Tennessee Williams, all making history here? Nashville has so much more to offer than the usual tourist fare – Hidden History of Nashville is a real joy for everyone who loves this city.