What do Paul Bunyan, Charles Lindbergh, and Jesse Ventura have in common--Minnesota, of course! In A Popular History of Minnesota, historian Norman K. Risjord offers a grand tour of the state's remarkable history, taking readers through the centuries and into the lives of those colorful characters who populate Minnesota's past. This highly readable volume details everything from the glacial formation of the land to the arrival of the Dakota and the Ojibwe people, from Minnesota's contributions to the Northern cause during the Civil War to the key players in reform politics who helped sculpt the identity of the state today. A Popular History of Minnesota highlights the historical significance of Minnesota's natural resources--the bountiful north woods, the treasured iron ranges, the impressive Mississippi waterfall on which the Mill City was built. It details the powerful marks left on the state by such luminous figures as Oliver H. Kelley, founder of the national Grange movement, Hubert H. Humphrey, champion of civil rights, and Betty Crocker, aid to homemakers everywhere. Lively sidebars outline noteworthy subjects, from the Kensington runestone to the devastating forest fires of the 1890s and 1910s, from the rise of the Mayo Clinic to the preservation of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Handy Traveler's Guides highlight historic destinations for readers who enjoy seeing where history happened. Fast-paced and informative, with generous illustrations, A Popular History of Minnesota is a must-read for newcomers and established Minnesotans alike.
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About the Author
Norman K. Risjord is the author of several books, including Wisconsin: The Story of the Badger State and a biography of Thomas Jefferson. He is professor emeritus of history at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best and Most-Enjoyable History of Minnesota,
This review is from: A Popular History of Minnesota (Paperback)
Outstanding! I reviewed several histories of Minnesota, and I came to the conclusion that this book is the best general history of Minnesota for most readers. It's very readable, concise, and enjoyable storytelling. The most important and most interesting Minnesota stories are told well. The basics of American history are also woven into the story, so this is the story of Minnesota's journey within the context of American history. A useful map with the most important and interesting historical sites to visit is included as a helpful guide. Useful lists by category of important things you can see are also included throughout the book as the story unfolds.
Other history books, unfortunately, are ruined by boring academic facts and poor story-telling, but not this book. I recommend this book for a quick and enjoyable read on Minnesota. Highest recommendation. On the back cover are these positive reviews: "Norman Risjord recounts Minnesota's past with the studied approach of an accomplished historian and the engaging style of a crowd-pleasing storyteller. If only all state histories were this enjoyable to read." -Dave Kenney, author of "Northern Lights: The Stories of Minnesota's Past" and "Minnesota Goes to War: The Home Front During World War II." [Northern Lights is used in Minnesota Schools] "'A Popular History of Minnesota' captures in one volume the thing that makes the state unique. It is, and always has been, a playground. But not as we've been led to believe. We learn here that Minnesota was not only the field of play for Dakota and Ojibwe, but for J.P. Morgan and John D. Rockefeller. It is a vast and fascinating history. Norman K. Risjord has found a way to put it in a finely written, single book." -Don Shelby, WCCO 4 News anchor and reporter
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
history of minnesota,
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This review is from: A Popular History of Minnesota (Paperback)
Since I came to Minnesota three years ago, I have been searching for a comprehensive overview of its history. Not too detailed, just giving a good overview. I found it in this book, and really anjoyed reading it
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Enjoyable storytelling,
This review is from: A Popular History of Minnesota (Paperback)
The book is what its preface states was its concept: "a relatively brief, fast-paced trip through Minnesota's past." The book is an enjoyable read. It does not claim to be scholarly. It discusses significant periods in the state's history and features visitor locations at the end of each chapter. Its suggestions for further reading is well done. This popular history seems relatively evenhanded politically up through the Civil War era. After that it leans more and more toward progressive ideas and interpretations, which reflects commonly held opinions one runs into in the Twin City area. This abandonment of evenhandedness is somewhat disappointing. It is also an unabashed cheerleader for the state reflecting the attitude that Minnesota is the greatest, expressed as "Minnesota Exceptionalism." The book is a good introductory guide for tourists.
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Inside This Book
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Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs):
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visitor center with exhibits, milling center Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Little Crow, Lake Superior, Minnesota River, New York, United States, Twin Cities, Fort Snelling, Red River, Northern Pacific, Grand Portage, Civil War, Minnesota Exceptionalism, The Age of Reform, Fort Ridgely, Liberal Tradition, Mille Lacs, Missouri River, New Deal, North West Company, Sandy Lake, Republican Party, South Dakota, World War, Mississippi River, North America Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
visitor center with exhibits, milling center Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Little Crow, Lake Superior, Minnesota River, New York, United States, Twin Cities, Fort Snelling, Red River, Northern Pacific, Grand Portage, Civil War, Minnesota Exceptionalism, The Age of Reform, Fort Ridgely, Liberal Tradition, Mille Lacs, Missouri River, New Deal, North West Company, Sandy Lake, Republican Party, South Dakota, World War, Mississippi River, North America Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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