Amazon.com description: Product Description: Paths In The Brier Patch "A nostalgic look at special things." It has been said that one studies the past in order to understand the future. It also can be said that one learns from the paths of others through the uncertainties of today's complex living. Paths In The Brier Patch presents nostalgic comments clarifying the past, along with personality sketches of people, places, and things, all based on Dr. McDonald's north-Alabama newspaper columns. This journalism reflects his military background as an author/historian and his active service both in World War II and the Korean War. Complementing the author's military career and civilian perspective is the exceptional realism of his wife's illustrative artistry throughout the book. Whether the subject be The Girl on A Horse, Poke Sallet, or Autumn In The Country, Paths In The Brier Patch is certain to provide valued guideposts for one's own life on earth.