A gorgeous new hardcover book by the University of Arkansas Press has just been published, documenting the life and work of this outsider luthier. The book, True Faith, TrueLight: The Devotional Art of Ed Stilley, captures his story and features stunning full-color pictures of his work. It is authored by musician and folklorist Kelly Mulhollan of Still on the Hill.
True Faith, True Light should be in the collection of any instrument fan or builder. Mulhollan’s portrait of a man driven by faith and the gorgeous photos by Kirk Lanier make this a winner. The book is as much an art piece as Stilley’s guitars.
In an era of perfection dictated by Autotune and CNC machines, the world needs Ed Stilley. This book is essential.
—Guitar World, 2015