An Ear to the Ground presents essays by emerging writers from the East and West Coasts of North America.

The point of ETG is to characterize the writers. They are the theme. They have chosen their own subjects. I have asked for writing that probes "local truth"--writing that is not watered down for a mass audience, that is local to a place, here or abroad, or to an ethnic group, an occupation, a philosophy, a sport.

I've included profiles written by a friend of each essayist--or, you could say, a former friend, someone who was willing to sell out all to bring us the truth. In addition I have asked each of the profile writers to contribute to our patchwork portrait of coastal terrain by sketching a physical location which the essayist inhabits.

Most of the writers in ETG have never before been published in book form, although a dozen are veteran writers whose creative work is largely unrecognized. The essays in this volume represent a variety of styles and sensibilities. I wanted to broaden the audience for good writing. I do not suppose that every piece will appeal to every reader. Neither are these essays intended to be definitive literary statements. ETG is designed as a salon. Essays, portraits, profiles, and bios are intended as a conversation with the authors. I hope that each reader will come away with a number of writers whom he or she especially enjoys and will look up the longer work of these writers. Or, will send letters to encourage essayists to continue to write and publish.

Three essays are by guest writers Horton Foote, Arun Gandhi, and Václav Havel--chosen because their philosophies characterize the philosophy of this book and of Cune Press.

(from Scott C. Davis' preface to An Ear to the Ground)