Beaufort Based Writer & Travel Journalist Lynn Seldon Shares Conroy's Beloved Lowcountry With Readers

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer / Book Review

Lynn Seldon's newest book 'Pat Conroy's Lowcountry: A History & Guide' is less about Conroy's literary achievements (which are many), rather Seldon's latest allows a roadmap to the famed author's love affair with the lowcountry of South Carolina. From Charleston to Beaufort, and everywhere in between including neighboring Savannah Ga., 'Pat Conroy's Lowcountry' celebrates Conroy's favorite destinations, as well as the getaway spots that provided him relaxation and inspiration to write some of his best works. 

Despite being born in Atlanta, Georgia, as a military brat Conroy moved several times in his formative years, before his parents settled in Beaufort SC during his teenage years, which helped introduce him to the Citadel. After graduating the military college in 1967, Conroy used his English degree to teach in Beaufort and Daufuskie Island, further solidifying his attraction for the South Carolina's lowcountry.

Seldon's first 48 pages (roughly less than one third of the 175 pages) chronicles Conroy's history with his beloved Beaufort, and the city's admiration for their 'favorite son'. Seldon includes Conroy's love for Beaufort's culture, history, his favorite haunts, and select timelines connecting Conroy to the Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands.

The remaining five chapters in 'Pat Conroy's Lowcountry' echo similar sentiments on the island communities of St. Helena, Fripp, and Daufuskie, where Conroy frequented much of his life. The final chapter, some 44 pages pays tribute to Conroy's affection for all things Charleston (dining, shopping, attractions), including detailing Conroy's recognition of his time at the Citadel.

The afterword by Pat's brother Tim Conroy allows a nice snippet of life growing up in the early Conroy household, where their father a tough-nosed military man was the inspiration for 'The Great Santini'. A domineering figure, Tim asserts Pat did everything he could to be the opposite of their dad.

Without question Conroy is one of America's greatest writers, with several of his books turned into memorable motion pictures. While a few of his novels carry autobiographical foundations, almost all his works are deeply rooted in the American South. His devotion and admiration for the lowcountry are well documented, and further outlined in 'Pat Conroy's Lowcountry'.

Admirers of Conroy will no doubt find Seldon's book informative, offering readers a glimpse into the passions of a storyteller considered the voice in late-20th-century Southern literature. Not only does Seldon's book list Conroy's interests, but additionally it provides readers with a directory of things to do and places to visit, including museums, restaurants, and bookstores preferred by the author. A win-win for Conroy fans.

'Pat Conroy's Lowcountry: A History & Guide' by Lynn Seldon is scheduled to be released on September 29th in both paperback and hardcover. To pre-order visit https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/products/pat-conroys-lowcountry-9781540299208?srsltid=AfmBOopyWLoVkaK3_7_c57pIrwnLIL92NABlSUYj1CSTYBCcrwCHUSg6

About The Author:

A Beaufort SC resident and travel writer, Lynn Seldon is the author of seven books including a series of '100 Things To Do Before You Die' dedicated to Charleston, Savannah, and the lowcountry of South Carolina. He was friends with Pat Conroy and considered him a mentor. For more on Seldon and his works visit
https://seldonink.com/