SEELEY LAKE – Richard Manning is no stranger to Seeley Lake or to Alpine Artisans' literary events. Former journalist and author of 11 books, he has written about environmental issues, the American prairie, agriculture, poverty and collaborated with a Harvard medical professional to write about a healthier lifestyle based on a better understanding of our DNA.

When he came to Open Book Club on Nov. 13 to present his latest book, "If It Sounds Good, It Is Good," he brought his guitar.

Manning and fellow guitarist Bill Lombardi began the hybrid presentation with the John Lomax version of the...