Customer Reviews

Michigan: A History (States and the Nation)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Catton covers two centuries in 11 chapters and just under 200 pages. The book is literally crammed with information in a mishmash of military acquisitions, missionaries, Native American tribes (at least a dozen are mentioned), woods runners, capitalists and (of coarse) politicians. However, Catton makes good use of brevity: he does not waste print on the minutiae of strategic military maneuverings as so many historians do, but rather he carefully selects and explores the details of the social and technological events that shaped the territory, the state and the nation (the "open shop" lumber industry, federal land grant programs, the Toledo strip, "wildcat" banks and the Great Railroad Conspiracy). As historians (and Michiganders) go, Catton is a romantic, and even melodramatic at times, but never boring. This book is thoroughly enjoyable.

I live in Ohio, but I was raised in Michigan. Reading this book once a year (as well as the MORNING TRAIN) reminds me of my place in the universe. If you want to know about Michigan, Bruce Catton delievers.

A good history of Michigan, but don't expect a lot of pictures.
Not a complete history, and some things are glossed over. But still a very worthwhile read.

Having grown up in Petoskey, Michigan and having gone to the public library roughly once/week for all of my formative years, I must say that the statue of Bruce Catton outside of that library which bore his name never gave me the slightest hint of the immense personality it represented. History has never been less stuffy. Catton gives Michigan's story implication and makes me want to read other States' stories in The States and the Nation series in hope that their biographers did half as good a job.
Thanks Bruce

the book was alright, all of us liked it and in some parts didn't want to put it down. We were also bored in some parts and wanted to go to sleep. When I got done the book I was glad it was over with and I got some information on my part.

the book was alright, all of us liked it and in some parts didn't want to put it down. We were also bored in some parts and wanted to go to sleep. When I got done the book I was glad it was over with and I got some information on my part.