The Society offers several books for purchase including back issues of the WTHS Papers at $10 per copy for members and non-members alike. See the WTHS Papers archive on the WTHS Papers page for information regarding back issue contents.

Historic Shelby County: An Illustrated History by Dr. John E. Harkins (Members $35, non-members $50)

Few know Shelby County and its history like lifelong Memphian John E. Harkins, who expertly chronicled the city’s unparalleled heritage and the individuals and groups who have kept its past alive through the decades. Discover the history in this beautifully illustrated hardback book on Shelby County. Published by The West Tennessee Historical Society. 208 Pages.

Cotton Row To Beale Street: A Business History of Memphis By Robert A. Sigafoos (Members $25, non-members $35)

This book has been called the definitive business history of Memphis. Mr. Sigafoos had an illustrious career in economics and was professor of real estate and holder of the Morris S. Fogelman Chair in Real Estate at the University of Memphis.  He also held teaching positions at Indiana University, Penn State and Drexel Institute of Technology.  342 pages.

Tennessee: The Volunteer State An Illustrated History By Dr. Robert E. Corlew and William B. Wheeler (Members $25, non-members $35)

Travel through centuries of Tennessee history, from the first settlement of the area by Native Americans to the development of the economic dynamo that is Tennessee today. Illustrated by 300 black & white and vivid color images and perfect for the coffee table, this is a grand addition to anyone’s collection of history.  239 pages.

Memphis Chronicles by Dr. John E. Harkins (Members $15, non-member $25)

Take a break from the bustle of Poplar and Beale and enjoy this easy ride down memory lane, recalling days when downtown gridlock was caused by streetcars and wagons and the Mid-South was ruled by the likes of the Chickasaws, Confederates, King Cotton and Crump. Discover the origins of the yellow fever epidemic, Memphis in May, Elmwood Cemetery, the heroes of Shelby County history and so much more in “Memphis Chronicles.”

Historical Sketches of the Mid-South by Paul R. Coppock (Members $50, non-members $60)

This six-book hard cover set by Paul R. Coppock, former editor and journalist for the Commercial Appeal, spans more than four decades and is filled with hours of interesting and memorable historical reflections by one of the foremost authors on Memphis and Mid-South history. Included titles are (1) Memphis Sketches, (2) Memphis Memoirs, (3) Mid-South, (4) Mid-South Vol. II 1971-1975, (5) Mid-South Vol. III 1976-1978, and (6) Mid-South Vol. IV 1979-1982.

To purchase books, please contact Executive Director, Dr. Rita Hall, via email at RMHHallPhD@gmail.com  or by mailing a request and check made payable to West Tennessee Historical Society to: