Author Bob Plott, an expert on the cultural heritage of the Smokies, will share stories of life during the past centuries at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

Plott, also an accomplished wood-carver and historical re-enactor, traces his family roots in the Old North State back to 1750, when his great-great-great-grandfather Johannes Plott arrived here with five of the family hunting dogs. These dogs would later become renowned as the premier big game hunting dog breed in America: the Plott bear hound.

Plott has three books: Strike and Stay – The Story of the Plott Hound, A History of Hunting in the Great Smoky Mountains, and Legendary Hunters of the Southern Highlands: A Century of Sport and Survival in the Great Smoky Mountains.

“I have known Bob for several years now and I’ve enjoyed hearing him read from his books,” said Blue Ridge Books co-owner Allison Best-Teague. “But I’ve loved hearing him talk about life in the Smokies and I respect the historical research he has done on our area. I think people who call the Smokies home as well as the many visitors to our area will enjoy hearing Bob’s stories and learning the history of the mountains.”

Blue Ridge Books is located at 152 S. Main Street. 828.456.6000.