From Hardy to Faulkner Book

I read this, as a non-American, in preparation for reading some Faulkner. Not only is it a very useful introduction to themes and characters in Faulkner's fiction, it is also a really fine example of local history focusing on prominent individuals, economic developments as well as the military and political impacts of the national struggle as it swept through this area of Mississippi. I will be reading more by this author.