Dean Campbell, The Squire of Dark Corner, has released a limited edition book of his well-loved Twice-told Tales, which appear in the Tryon Daily Bulletin twice a month.

The 72 tales are in the exact same order in which they were published in Bulletin.

This compilation is complete with a bound-in CD of Campbell and his family singing old ballads that are a treasured part of many of his tales and, surely, of life lived in The Dark Corner.

“My entire purpose from the beginning was to make the old ballads an integral part of the book – lyrics in the columns and a CD of ambient recordings of authentic singing, without instruments. Our heritage tales have always been a mixture of “silver tongue mouthing” and “balladeering” (with singing voices not always described as angelic),” Campbell said.

Both approaches can be done by all ages, Campbell said, from age 5 to 95. In fact, Edna Trout Ellis of Saluda, N.C., is 93; his sister, Wickie, is 86; Campbell is 79; and his niece, Marie, is 55. They’ve all been singing these ballads since they could carry a reasonable tune.

The edition is only available directly from Campbell, either by phone (864-906-3663), e-mail at squiredean@yahoo.com, snail mail (302 Hwy. 11, Landrum, S.C. 29356) or by PAYPAL on his publishing website, www.tamaczarproductions.com.

If sold out, Campbell plans to reorder another printing and will make the book available through select stores.

Campbell will take part in a number of book signings and talks in coming weeks, including:

A book signing following the official grand opening of the new history museum of Travelers Rest at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12.

A luncheon presentation and book signing with the Keen Club (seniors) at Holston Creek Baptist Church in Inman, S.C., at noon on Thursday, Oct. 24.

A Landrum Library presentation and book signing will be held at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 7.

A luncheon presentation and book signing with seniors at Washington Baptist Church in Greer, S.C., at noon on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

There will also be other presentations and book signings in between at Polk County Library (date not yet set).